Sanjay Dutt was on Tuesday sentenced to six years rigorous imprisonment for possessing arms illegally thus bringing to an end the 13-year-long TADA trial in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts. He has also been fined an amount of Rs 25000. Meanwhile, his bail bond was rejected and he was taken into custody immediately.

Dutt, who requested to call and speak with his daughter, was granted the wish. He can now appeal in the Supreme Court once he gets a hard copy of the judgement. Meanwhile the judge has rejected Dutt’s request for a few days’ time to surrender on the ground that Dutt needed a few days` time to wind up things, and said that the acquisition of guns showed scant respect for law. Dutt`s appeal to be kept with Yusuf has also been rejected.

Pronouncing the verdict, Judge Pramod Kode said that the probation report would not be considered in Dutt’s case. He felt that the actor was well aware of the crime that he was committing and therefore was not worthy of pardon. The Judge further elaborated that while it was alright to protect one’s family it could not be done illegally.

Kode also said that though there was sympathy for Dutt but the laws of the nation came first. He also accused Dutt of not only committing the crime but also inducing Yusuf to commit the same. He also stated that the possession of AK-56 was a serious offence. Dutt was also convicted for illegally possessing a 9 mm pistol. The judge even pointed to his criminal links saying the actor was in contact with the underworld. Dutt told the court that he thought he would get benefit of probation. He also stated that he has spent more time in jail than with his family.

Dutt has been directed to remain in Arthur Road Jail till August 2 following which the court will decide which jail will be the best for him.

Under the Arms Act, Sanjay Dutt could have been granted 5-10 years imprisonment. He has already served 16 months while under trial and those shall be deducted from the sentence. He was also acquitted for any terror charges earlier.

Dressed in white kurta and jeans and accompanied by his lawyers, a visibly tense Dutt waved to mediapersons and fans before entering the court situated in the high-security Arthur Road jail in Central Mumbai. He was accompanied with politician sister Priya Dutt and other friends.

Russi spared, Nulwalla gets 5 years

Rusi Mulla, a friend of Dutt and a spare parts dealer who was convicted under the Arms Act exactly like Dutt has been granted probation on certain conditions including the giving of a surety of Rs 1 lakh.

Yusuf Nulwalla another accused in the blasts has got 5 yrs and Kersi Adajania was given 2 years and fined Rs 25000 but reports coming in state that he has been granted bail on payment of Rs 1 lakh as penalty.