Meet the Bishnois: The community that kept the Blackbuck case against Salman going for 20 years

It took the court 20 long years to convict 'serial offender' Salman Khan in the Blackbuck poaching case. And while most would accuse the judiciary for taking such a long time to declare its judgement, it is also a small victory for the Bishnoi community which kept the legal battle going for the past two decades.

According to the case, Salman Khan and others were accused of killing two blackbucks in Bhagoda ki Dhani in Kankani village near Jodhpur on the night of October 1, 1998 -- during the shooting of their film Hum Saath Saath Hain. They were charged under Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The trial of the case has been in progress for the last 20 years.

The actor was also charged with two other poaching cases of Chinkara deer and black up in Bhawad village and Mathania village respectively.

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Those who have been following the case for the past 20 years, would know that the case would not have gained such prominence in the media had it not involved the superstar and for the relentless persuasion of Bishnoi community to keep the legal battle going.

The community for centuries has worshipped and protected the nature. The community, started by Jammeshwarji Maharaj (Jambaji) around the 16 century AD, are governed by 29 set principles which include the protection and preservation of wildlife. The community is known to put their lives at stake in order to protect the rare antelope or a tree.

The Bishnois of Jodhpur consider the black buck to be the reincarnation of their religious Guru Bhagwan Jambeshwar also known as Jambaji.

The people of this community are known to be God-fearing and gentle but show their aggressive side only when it comes to protecting their blackbucks.

According to Bishnoi folklore, Jambaji is believed to have instructed his followers that blackbuck was to be revered as his manifestation. It is believed that when these animals raid the crops of the Bishnois, they prefer losing the crop than driving them away.

Blackbucks are found in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country. The blackbuck is considered the most handsome member of the bovine family. Measuring a length of 120cm, with a height of 60 to 80cm, they weigh nearly 30 to 40kg.

The males have 50-60cm long horns while the females are hornless. Blackbucks do not shed their horns.

The quantum of punishment is yet to be decided. Even if he is sentenced to jail, he will in all likelihood get bail and will in all probability appeal to the higher court. But one thing is for sure that the community which protects the animal like one of its on, will continue to put pressure and fight till they get justice.