I have always been loyal to my country: Sanjay Dutt

Zeenews Bureau

Delhi: Following the Supreme Court’s verdict which upheld the conviction of Sanjay Dutt under the Arms Act in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case and sent him to five years in prison, the actor has spoken out. Dutt was convicted by TADA in the 1993 Mumbai Blasts case for possessing illegal arms, and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment of six years. Dutt, who was convicted for illegally possessing weapons, had been awarded six years imprisonment by the TADA [Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act] court. The Bollywood actor had then taken his plea to the Supreme Court, and on March 21, 2013, the highest court in India upheld TADA’s verdict but reduced Dutt’s imprisonment term to 5 years. This effectively means that Dutt will be in jail for three years and six months as he has already undergone 18 months imprisonment. Priya Dutt, the actor’s sister, on the other hand, broke down while addressing the media after hearing Sanjay’s fate. A statement issued by Dutt reads, “I am sorry I can't come down and meet you all. I am shattered and in emotional distress. God is great and he will guide me through this. My family is very emotional right now and I have to be strong for them. They have always stood by me and supported me. I know in my heart that I have always been a good human being. I have respected the system and always been loyal to my country. I am going to complete all my films and won't let anyone down. I am overwhelmed by the support of my fans, the industry people, the media and all the well wishers. I have always respected the judicial system and will continue to do so, even with tears in my eyes. I am heart broken because today along with me, my 3 children and my wife and my family will undergo the punishment. I have already suffered for 20 years and been in jail for 18 months. If they want me to suffer more I have to be strong.”