All Articles on Sanjay Dutt verdict Here - Page 7

Sister hopes it's the last sleepless night

Sanjay Dutt has had plenty of sleepless nights and uncertainty these last 14 years. With just a day to go before his sentencing, sister Priya Dutt says this night too is likely to be sleepless but hopes it is the last.

It was in 1993 that the police arrested Sanjay, charging him of conspiracy in the Mumbai serial blasts case. Last December, the special TADA court cleared him of this charge but held him guilty of illegal possession of firearms. The actor, who turned 48 this weekend, is now anxiously waiting for the judge to deliver his sentence on Tuesday.

Priya is equally anxious and sounds a little nervous as she says: "Tomorrow is the day that will determine what happens to his life, our lives."

Does she dread tomorrow? "In a way," she tells the Hindustan Times in a telephonic interview on Monday. But it is a feeling the Dutt family has got so used to that she prefers to focus on the silver lining. "We have spent 14 long years not knowing what is going to happen. There is certainly a lot of tension, stress… but there is also the sense that it is all going to end, a bit of relief… whatever it is, we know this part of our life will come to an end," she says.

"We are just praying everything works out fine for him," the Congress MP says as she speaks of her brother's ability to put up a brave face at the worst of times. Of the brother who delivered sterling performances in films like Lage Raho Munnabhai and made millions of people smile. "But at the back of his mind, it must have always been there," she says.

Priya and a few close friends will spend the night at Sanjay's apartment on Monday and hope to sleep early. "We need to be clear-headed tomorrow."

"I am sure he (Sanjay) is not going to sleep all night. I guess even if he does try, it will be a very restless night," she says.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=b3 d8782c-31bb-4257-b37e-d8595e260f5d&&Headline=Sister+hopes+it %e2%80%99s+the+last+sleepless+night

Bollywood's big bucks riding on Dutt

Actor Sanjay Dutt has been sentenced to six years in prison for illegal possession of arms in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

Last November he had been convicted for the illegal possession of a 9 mm pistol and an AK 56.

Dutt, who is one of the biggest, most powerful and popular stars of the Hindi film industry, is at the top of the game following the hugely successful Munnabhai series.

And with over Rs 50 crore invested in films starring Dutt, the industry is now more worried about his films on floor.

In fact, there are three films that are currently under production.

First, Inder Kumar's Dhamaal, which pairs Sanjay Dutt with Arshad Warsi, is complete. Although the promos are still not on air.

Then there's Dutt's venture with friend Sanjay Gupta Alibaug, which is 50 per cent complete.

Finally, there is Abbas Mustan's Mr Fraud with Ajay Devgan for which Dutt has not even started shooting.

Then there are other films for which the shooting hasn't started as yet - Sanjay Gupta's Aladdin and Kidnapped and Vidhu Vinod Chopra's third in the Munnabhai series, Munnabhai Chale America.

From the time the court convicted Sanjay Dutt in November last year, his two big films have enjoyed mixed responses.

Eklavya flopped at the box office, while Shootout at Lokhandwala was a huge hit.

Bollywood is now hoping for a positive outcome as Sanjay now moves SC to appeal against the judgement.

http://www.ndtvmovies.com/newstory.asp?section=Movies&id=ENT EN20070020844

Rs 50 cr at stake, B'wood's got its eyes on Dutt

New Delhi: As Actor Sanjay Dutt faces his judgment day on Tuesday, Bollywood also awaits the verdict with bated breath.

A special TADA court is scheduled to pronounce the quantum of punishment on Tuesday for Dutt and his friends in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

Dutt had been arrested on April 19, 1993 in the case and he spent 16 months behind bars as an undertrial. It raked up quite a controversy when he got bail and walked out of prison in spite of being charged under TADA.

Though over the past six months Dutt has tried his best to complete his unfinished Bollywood projects, around 50 crore is at stake in the industry, say reports.

If sentenced, it could well spell doom for many pending projects including his films Dhamaal, Mr Fraud, Kidnap and Alibaug.

And those who are wondering about his next Munnabhai flick, the third installment of the series, Munnabhai Chale Amreika, has been put off until next year.

The actor is currently shooting for Abbas Mustan's Mr Fraud, Sanjay Guptas Alibaug and Sanjay Gadhvi's Kidnap.

While filmmaker Inder Kumar's Dhamaal is ready for release, in which Dutt stars with funnyman Arshad Warsi, the promos are still not on air.

Among his other pending projects, Alibaug is just halfway though while he is still to begin his shoot with Ajay Devgan for Mr Fraud.

Meanwhile, in the past six months, Dutt has not exactly been highly successful at the box office. Though his friend Sanjay Gupta's Shootout at Lokhandwala created a slight stir, Raman Kumar's Sarhad Paar and Ajay Chandok's Nehle Pe Dehla were disasters at the box office.

But flops and hits aside, Dutt's still got the big bucks riding on him and Bollywood can only wait and watch.

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/rs-50-cr-at-stake-bwoods-got-its -eyes-on-dutt/45907-8.html

Court Dismisses Sanjay Dutt Appeal, Awards 6-year Jail Term

Mumbai, Jul 31: The designated TADA court jailed Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt for six years on Tuesday for acquiring illegal weapons from gangsters involved in India's worst bombings that killed 257 people in 1993.

Dutt, 48, was cleared of conspiracy charges in the serial blasts in India's financial capital of Mumbai, but was found guilty of unauthorized possession of an automatic rifle and a pistol.

"It was an eminently dangerous act," judge Pramod Kode said. "With the punishment of a minimum of five years and maximum of 10 years it can in no way be a minor offence or of a less grave nature."

Dutt's trial has transfixed India and fans of Bollywood, the world's largest film industry by ticket sales. He has millions of dollars riding on him in films under production.

The actor is the most high-profile among 100 people, mostly Muslims, found guilty in the bombings trial, one of the world's longest-running court cases.

The 1993 Mumbai attacks were ordered by India's most wanted man, Dawood Ibrahim, a Muslim, to avenge the razing of a 16th-century mosque by Hindu zealots in 1992 and subsequent Hindu-Muslim riots in India, police say.

Ibrahim and his top associates have not faced trial as they fled the country soon after the blasts, police say. Ibrahim is believed to be hiding in Pakistan, but the government in Islamabad denies this.

Dutt's lawyers had urged that the actor, who found fame playing gangsters and anti-heroes, be set free for his good behavior during his bail.

But the court rejected the argument.

Son of legendary film couple Sunil Dutt and Nargis, the heavy-set actor has been on bail since 1995 after more than a year in prison during initial investigations into the blasts.

He is expected to appeal.

Sanjay Dutt: An upheaval journey

NDTV

Mumbai: All eyes will be on Sanjay Dutt as the actor walks into the TADA court inside the Arthur Road Jail.

Sanjay and three of his friends are the only ones left to be sentenced in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

The actor was convicted under the Arms Act for possession of AK 56 rifles, the 13-year long trial is expected to come to an end on Tuesday with Dutt's sentencing.

It is the verdict everyone has been waiting for. Sanjay Dutt accused number 117 in the serial blasts case is among the last to know his fate.

Fourteen years ago in April 1993 when he was arrested, Dutt was a young actor basking in the glory of hits like Khalnayak and Saajan.

He was charged with receiving some of the weapons used in the blasts from Abu Salem and keeping them in his Pali Hill home.

In his confession Dutt had said Salem had visited his home in January 1993 accompanied by Samir Hingora and Hanif Kadawala, proprietors of Magnum Video, close associates of Dawood.

Dutt said he brought three AK 56 rifles, some magazines and 250 rounds. The actor said he kept only one and returned two AK 56s to Samir and Hanif.

Weapon to protect

Dutt said he needed the weapons to protect his family as they had received threats during the 1992 Mumbai riots.

But when he heard about the blasts and Samir and Hanif's arrest he asked his friend Yusuf Nulwalla to destroy the gun.

Dutt was arrested at the Mumbai airport after Samir and Hanif confessed to delivering the arms to him.

He spent 16 months in the Arthur Road jail before being released on bail in August 1994.

In November 2006 Sanjay Dutt was convicted but under the Arms Act and not TADA. He was cleared of terrorism and conspiracy.

Dutt the court said: ''was not a terrorist.''

Twelve years ago on October 18, 1995 Sanjay was finally free after spending 18 months in prison.

A release that was possible after his father late Sunil Dutt, a loyal Congressman turned to his political rival Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray for help.

At the family bungalow in Pali Hill Sanjay's daughter Trishala had just returned from school. Girlfriend Rhea Pillai was waiting with his sisters and family.

Lot has changed

Since that day a lot has changed. Sunil Dutt is no more. Priya is now a politician. Rhea Pillai has remarried and moved on.

But fate has brought Sanjay Dutt to the crossroads he was at 12 years ago.

From here it's either prison or a return back to his family like the homecoming in 1995.

Sanjay's sentence will wrap up 14-year trial

DNA

A day before Sanjay Dutt received his sentence for illegal possession of arms in the '93 serial blasts case, the actor spent some quiet time with family and friends on Monday.

Close friends insisted that though Sanjay felt nervous and apprehensive anout the impending sentence, he was mentally prepared for the worst.

"Though there is a sense of philosophical resignation in Sanjay's manner, there is still a lot of anxiety over the final outcome," a source close to the family said.

Sources say the actor has been in a very troubled state of mind and has turned to spirituality to tide over this difficult phase. "He prays regularly for his freedom and the happiness of his family."

Though friends are positive that Sanjay will take whatever comes his way bravely, they hinted that the actor has been consulting his lawyers on how to best deal with a harsh sentence.

"We are hoping that the sentence will be favourable and Sanju will walk away a free man," said filmmaker Sanjay Gupta. Meanwhile, family members are also keeping their fingers crossed.

"He is not alone in his ordeal. We have been with him throughout and want to see him happy and at peace once again," said brother-in-law Owen Roncon.

Sanjay Dutt set for sentencing in Mumbai blasts

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, convicted of acquiring illegal weapons from gangsters linked with the country's worst bombings, will appear in court on Tuesday for likely sentencing.

Dutt, 48, was cleared of conspiracy in the serial blasts in Mumbai in 1993 that killed 257 people, but found guilty of unauthorised possession of an AK-56 rifle and a pistol.

Dutt's punishment carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and fines, but he could appeal.

"I'm mentally prepared for any sentence, but please pray for me," Dutt told the Times of India newspaper last week.

His lawyers have urged that the actor, who found fame playing macho gangsters and anti-heroes, be set free for his good behaviour during his bail.

The actor has been on bail since 1995 after more than a year in prison during initial investigations into the blasts.

His trial has transfixed Bollywood -- the world's largest film industry by volume and ticket sales. Millions of dollars are riding on movies already under production which involve the star.

The actor, son of legendary Bollywood couple Sunil and Nargis Dutt, is the most high-profile among 100 people, mostly Muslims, found guilty in the bombings trial, one of the world's longest-running court cases, which ended last year.

So far, a special anti-terrorism court has sentenced 96 people, including 12 to death, mostly on charges of conspiracy, preparing the bombs or leaving explosives-laden cars and scooters at several Mumbai landmarks such as the main stock exchange, two crowded markets and a cinema.

Factsheet on Sanjay Dutt's sentencing

Mumbai, July 31 (IANS) The following is a factsheet on Sanjay Dutt's involvement with the 1993 Mumbai bombings that led to his jailing Tuesday:

1993

January: Abu Salem, Samir Hingoraa and Baba Chavan deliver an AK-56 assault rifle and a 9 mm pistol to Sanjay Dutt at his Pali Hill home.

March 12: Mumbai serial bombings, the world's worst urban terror attack, claims 257 lives. The bombings are blamed on the underworld and Pakistani intelligence.
A panicky Sanjay gives the AK to a friend to destroy it.

April 19: Arrested at Sahar Airport on arrival from Mauritius

April 27: Police record his confession

May 5: Released on bail by high court on a cash security of Rs.100,000 and directed to move designated court for regular bail

1994

July 4: Rearrested after the TADA court cancels bail

1995

Oct 18: After nearly 16 months in jail, Dutt released following Supreme Court's bail

1998

Feb 15: Marries model Rhea Pillai

2002

July 30: Mumbai police releases tapes of Dutt's conversation with a feared gangster

2003

March 7: Dutt denies having any information about gangster Chhota Shakeel

June 2: Court exempts Dutt from personal appearance till June-end, allowing him to go abroad for stage shows

2005

May 25: Father and actor-turned-politician Sunil Dutt dies

2006

Nov 28: Convicted under Arms Act but cleared of terror charges. Found guilty of possessing the 9 mm pistol without licence and AK-56 assault rifle. Granted time to surrender on a personal bond of Rs.1 million.

2007

July 31: Sentenced to six years in prison and fined Rs.25,000

http://www.khabrein.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=v iew&id=3393&Itemid=88

How I broke the Dutt story

It was April 12, 1993, exactly a month after the serial blasts rocked Mumbai. I was working for a city tabloid and was following the Bomb Blast Case (BBC), as it was known then.

Late in the evening, I called YC Pawar, who was heading the investigation team. I made casual enquiries about the progress of the case and Pawar dropped a bombshell. "Apke MP ke bete ka naam aa raha hai," he said, refusing to divulge more.

I figured it might be Sunil Dutt. However, I could not confirm it since senior officers including the then commissioner AS Samra, were tight-lipped.

Late that night, I called an IPS officer at Mahim and said, "Suna hai aapne kisi MP ke bete ko uthaya hai?"

"No, we have not as he is shooting abroad," he replied. There it was — my big story. It had to be Sanjay Dutt. I tried to get in touch with Sunil Dutt.

On April 13, enquiries at Dutt's residence and office revealed that the MP was out of country. I got in touch with Suresh Shetty (now a minister in the state cabinet), who was very close to Dutt, and told him I needed to talk to the MP urgently.

Shetty called back and said that Dutt senior was in Hamburg, Germany. I contacted Hamburg-based Stern magazine photographer, Jay Ullal, who was a good friend of Sunil Dutt.

He said Dutt had left for London and did not know how to contact him. I again called Shetty and told him why I wanted to talk to Dutt. Shetty was taken aback, but promised to get in touch with him, and call me.
Two days went by and I fretted someone else might get the story. Early on April 14, I received a call from Sanjay Dutt, who said he was shooting in Mauritius, and wanted to know about the police case against him.

I told him that his friends Samir Hingora and Yusuf Nulwala had squealed on him. "Oh my God," said Dutt, and disconnected. Two hours later he called again, wanting to know about the punishment if he got caught.

I told him. If he surrendered with weapons, he would be charged under the Arms Act and could get bail. But if the police arrested him and recovered the weapons, he could be charged under Tada — without bail.

Later Sanjay took Samra's phone number.

I too called Samra and informed him about my conversation with Sanjay. He confirmed that Sanjay had spoken to him, but refused to say anything further.

I then filed the story, "Sanjay has an AK-56." The very next day, I received a Rs1crore legal notice from Ram Jethmalani's office, asking me to prove the facts. My editor stood by me.

For the next five days, the police neither denied nor confirmed the story. On April 19, 1993, Dutt was arrested from Sahar International airport, moments after he arrived from Mauritius.

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1112666

Film fraternity in shock over Sanjay sentencing

MUMBAI: Sanjay Dutt's sentencing to six years in jail has sent shock waves through the Hindi film industry, with producers of at least three films involving the actor wondering about the fate of their incomplete projects, pegged at around Rs.100 crores.

And whether people get to see a third sequel of the much-loved Munnabhai series remains a big question mark.

The actor was sentenced on Tuesday to jail by a court for possessing illegal arms in the 1993 Mumbai terror bombings.

"I think film producers must be in a state of shock. Apparently Rs.1 billion was riding on his shoulders. It is too early to predict anything about his career after six years," trade analyst Taran Adarsh said.

"The films he was working in are 'Mr. Fraud' (Abbas Mustan), 'Kidnap' (Sanjay Gadhvi) and 'Alibaug' (of close friend Sanjay Gupta). He had also started working in 'Mehbooba'. But right we can't say anything. We will have to wait and watch," added Taran.

If Sanjay Dutt was taken unawares over the quantum of sentence as he had hoped the judge would heed his plea for probation, his producers are in a dilemma - especially those in the middle of shooting for films starring Sanjay.

The minimum budget for a Sanjay starrer is said to be Rs.150 million (Rs.15 crores).

However, most producers refused to comment when contacted for their reactions.

Close associates and friends of the star are unhappy with the sentence given to the 48-year-old actor.

Veteran Malayalam superstar Mammootty, expressing sadness over the verdict, said in Thiruvananthapuram: "Even though before the law all are equal, I sincerely feel that this should not have happened to Sanjay Dutt. We all hope that since he has been given permission to appeal in the Supreme Court he has still hope, and so do all his well wishers."

Yesteryear's popular actress Saira Banu, a close family friend of the Dutt family, was quite emotional.

"I am heartbroken. Whatever punishment has been meted out far exceeds the error. People have forgotten the atmosphere at the time of error (the riots that followed the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992). We were under constant threats," Saira was quoted as saying after the sentencing.

"Sanju rescued injured people from the streets even when bullets were flying and took them to the hospital. People make errors in such situations. My god, what a punishment!" she added.

Kunal Kohli, a prominent filmmaker, told a TV channel: "Sanju is a nice person. He has already paid for what happened. It's really sad and upsetting as some one as kind hearted as Sanju is going through this. He has suffered a lot and we can't even imagine what he is going through right now."

Sanjay was one of the top heroes in 1993. But after his arrest then, no big producer wanted to cast him as they feared he would be in and out of jail and it would affect their films.

However, after coming out of jail in 1995 Sanjay scaled new heights in Bollywood.

He gave hits like 'Dushman', 'Vaatav: The Reality' and the super hit 'Munnabhai' series. His recent hit 'Shootout At Lokhandwala' was a box office winner.

Sanjay starrer Dhamaal is ready for release.

Unless the Supreme Court intervenes in his favour, his incomplete projects might well not see the light of day.

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1112831