Bollywood star gets bail, appeals poaching conviction

Salman Khan has been released on bail after spending less than a week behind bars on a poaching conviction.

The Bollywood star, known for his macho roles, gave himself up last Saturday to police in Jodhpur, the capital of the northern state of Rajasthan, after a court upheld a five-year sentence.

Khan, 41,was convicted of killing a chinkara — a type of gazelle protected by conservation laws —while in a Rajasthan wildlife reserve in 1998. He appealed the 2006 conviction but was ordered to jail last week after that appeal was rejected.

Khan has now appealed to the High Court, which has given him bail while it deliberates the case.He is expected back in court in October.

The actor's court appearances have become a regular sight in India. He was convicted last year of a second poaching charge — killing two protected black buck antelopes — while on a hunting trip in the same state.

In addition, Khan faces another trial in Mumbai in connection with a 2002 hit-and-run accident.

Khan is charged in the death of a homeless man who was sleeping on the pavement when he was struck by a car.The actor faces 10 charges in the man's death and has pleaded not guilty on all counts.

The brawny actor, who is the eldest son of Bollywood screenwriter Salim Khan, is one of India's top box office draws.

His recent movies include Marigold and Partner, and he is reported to be working on another three films this year.