The Jodhpur Sessions Court on Wednesday acquitted Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the Arms Act case filed against him in 1998 in connection with poaching blackbucks and chinkaras in Rajasthan. The court gave the actor the benefit of doubt. The actor’s lawyer said the court ruled in his client’s favour after the prosecution failed to provide conclusive evidence. Khan and his sister Alvira were present in court.

Khan was accused of using firearms with expired licenses to kill endangered animals – blackbucks and chinkaras – in 1998. After the verdict was pronounced, the actor took to Twitter to thank fans for their “support and good wishes”.

The incident took place when Khan was shooting for Bollywood film Hum Saath Saath Hai in Rajasthan. A case under the Arms Act was registered against the actor, in addition to one filed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act for killing the animals. He was acquitted by the Rajasthan High Court in the chinkara poaching case in July.

Khan has spent time in a Jodhpur jail twice in connection with the case.