Out of jail, Sanjay Dutt says I’m not a terrorist

Shiv Kumar

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Tribune News Service

Mumbai, February 25

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who was released from Yerwada Jail in Pune this morning, stated that he was not a terrorist and wanted to leave behind the bitter memories of being convicted in the 1993 serial blasts case.

“I am not a terrorist. I have been acquitted by the TADA court in the blasts case and conspiracy (sic). I was convicted under the Arms Act and this has been declared by the Supreme Court as well,” Sanjay Dutt told reporters at a press conference a few hours after his release. 

“I request everyone not to mention the 1993 bomb blasts while writing about me because I was not involved in it,” Dutt said. The actor was released today after he completed the remaining 42 months of his five-year jail term after being convicted of possessing an AK-56 assault rifle shortly after the 1992 Mumbai riots. The actor was released from jail after spending less than three years in prison due to time off for good behavior.

Sanjay Dutt recounted that Judge Pramod Kode, who convicted him under the Arms Act, told the actor that he was not a terrorist. “One of the most important moments of my life was when judge PD Kode Sir told me that I am not a terrorist. There was nothing else that was bigger than that for me,” Dutt added.

An emotional Sanjay Dutt said he missed his father late Sunil Dutt. “I miss my father today. If my father would have been alive, he would have been the happiest. His only fight was to see his son free,” Dutt said. 

“Dad, I am free today and I love you,” he said looking up at the sky. After walking out of the Yerwada jail, Dutt kissed the ground outside the jail and saluted the national flag hoisted above the premises. “I love my country and the Tricolour is my life. After coming out of the jail, I kissed the ground and saluted the flag,” he recounted to reporters.

Waiting to receive Dutt was wife Manyata and their two children and film maker Rajkumar Hirani.