Salman verdict: People rush to bakery to see 'that spot', hear about 'that night'

Even as the family and well-wishers of Salman Khan expressed anguish at his conviction, a crowd of people thronged the American Express Bakery on Hill Road, curious to know about ‘that fateful night' of 2002.

Also read: 2002 Salman Khan hit-and-run case verdict: Victim talks about court's ruling

The eatery came into the limelight more than 12 years ago, after Khan's vehicle went onto the footpath outside the bakery, killing one and injuring four others. Pic/Nimesh Dave

The establishment came into the limelight more than 12 years ago, after Khan's vehicle went onto the footpath outside the bakery, killing one and injuring four others.

Also read: 2002 hit-and-run verdict: Salman Khan proven guilty of all charges

Yesterday, on the day he was handed down a five-year sentence, many people hounded the bakery staffers with questions about ‘what happened.' In the bargain, they also bought the bakery's various products on offer, setting its counters ringing.

Brisk business
The bakery was buzzing with the actor's fans, local residents, and curious journalists, all of whom wanted to catch a glimpse of ‘the spot' where the tragedy unfolded in the wee hours of September 29 that year. For the bakery, however, Salman's sentencing meant an outstanding business day.

Also read: Here's why Salman Khan is controversy's favourite child in Bollywood

"We have run out of chicken patties and a few other items, and had to call in for a fresh batch to the bakery," said owner Yvan Carvalho. Interestingly, his clientele also includes Salman's mother, Salma, who has been frequenting the bakery since before the incident occurred.

Photos: Shah Rukh Khan and other Bollywood celebs visit Salman

Staffers, who had been hired after the incident, said most of their clients keep asking about that day. "They come and ask if we saw anything or if we were there at that time. All of us are new here and we tell them that we aren't aware about what happened that night.

All those who walk in with the hope of getting to know something new about the accident, eat something before leaving, which is good for the business," said one of the employees.

Ever since the media began covering trial proceedings in the last month or so, the bakery has witnessed a continuous stream of visitors, claimed one of the staff members. However, Carvalho chose to play down the hype. "We had nothing to do with the incident; unfortunately it happened outside our bakery.

I don't think that the number of customers has increased. It's only the media people that have flocked the bakery in large numbers today (Wednesday). Overall, it's been a good day for doing business," said Carvalho.