MUMBAI: An Indian anti-terror court yesterday sentenced Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt to six years in jail for illegal weapons possession in connection with serial bombings in Mumbai in 1993. Dutt was convicted last year of buying guns but was cleared of the more serious charge of conspiracy in connection with the attacks, which killed 257 people and injured 800 others.
“Sanjay was not a minor at that time. Acquiring a weapon of this nature suggests the character of the person, and is contrary to the law,” judge Pramod Kode said as he read out the sentence to a packed courtroom.
The hugely popular Dutt, known for his tough guy roles, has already served 18 months on remand in the mid-1990s, and had requested that he be allowed to stay free on probation.
In a further blow to the actor, the court refused to allow him to remain free on bail pending his appeal to the Supreme Court. He was also fined 25,000 rupees (BD234).
He was taken into custody in Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail.
Seated slouched on a bench before the judge, an emotional Dutt pleaded in vain for leniency, while wiping away tears.
“I made a mistake 14 years ago. Pray for me,” said Dutt, 48, while pleading to be let off on bail.
Dutt has always maintained his innocence, arguing that he had bought a Kalashnikov assault rifle to protect his family during sectarian violence.
But chief prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said that this was “not good enough an excuse.”
“Dutt is a good actor and a celebrity, but this does not give him a licence for illegal action.”
The sentencing sent shockwaves throughout Bollywood.
Actress Kirron Kher said she was “shocked and saddened,” arguing Dutt “has suffered enough for 14 years (and) he has been exemplary in behaviour.”
Film producer and director Mahesh Bhatt said the sentencing was a “body blow.”
“I cannot say the sentence was not fair but six years is too strong,” he said.
The film industry film could lose $12 million (BD4.5m) for two unfinished Dutt films, Alibag and Fraud, estimated Komal Nata, who runs Film Information, a trade guide.
Three men were also sentenced to probation or prison terms ranging from two to five years on charges related to Dutt’s weapons.
The sentencing of Dutt, along with three others, ends the sprawling Mumbai bombings trial which saw more than 100 people convicted, 686 witnesses and 13,000 pages of testimony.
A dozen people were sentenced to death, while 20 others face life sentences.
More than 50 others will serve between three and 14 years in jail.
The alleged masterminds of the blasts, Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger Memon, have been on the run since 1993.
Indian investigators say they were aided by Pakistan’s intelligence service but Islamabad has denied any link.
The “Black Friday” bombings were allegedly staged by Mumbai’s Muslim-dominated mafia in retaliation for deadly Hindu-Muslim clashes and the demolition of a mosque by Hindu extremists in 1992.
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