HSK - Indian actor Dutt sentenced to 6 years

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Indian actor Dutt sentenced to 6 years


(AP)
Updated: 2007-07-31 19:02



MUMBAI, India - Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt was sentenced Tuesday to six
years in prison for illegally possessing guns that he received from key
plotters behind the 1993 bombings in Mumbai.

The well-known actor already has served 18 months in jail following his
arrest, and it appears he will have to serve another 4 1/2 years behind
bars.

Dutt was convicted last November on a charge of illegal possessing three
automatic rifles and a pistol, but acquitted of more serious terrorism
charges relating to the bombings.

There had been speculation that Dutt would get probation. But Judge
Pramod Kode said that even though he wasn't sure Dutt possessed the guns
with the intention of committing a terrorist act, merely having them
"shows scant respect to the law."

"In no sense can this be said to be a minor offense," Kode said.

Dutt, who had been out on bail for the past 12 years while the trial
dragged on, looked down and listened with his hands clasped behind his
back as Kode read the sentence.

Within minutes, he was taken into custody. "Don't be sentimental, be calm
and quiet," the judge said, as Dutt stood weeping before being led away.

The sentencing of Dutt, along with three others Tuesday, ends the
sprawling Mumbai bombings trial, which dragged on for 12 years and saw
more than 100 people convicted, 686 witnesses and 13,000 pages of
testimony. The series of bombings on March 12, 1993, killed 257 people.

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.

Dutt was able to complete pending movie projects during bail extensions
over the past year and only recently finished filming comedies like
"Dhamaal" or "Loud Noise," and "Phatafat" or "Pronto."

The industry film could lose about $12 million for two unfinished Dutt
films, "Alibag" and "Fraud," estimated Komal Nata, who runs Film
Information, a trade guide.

"It is a body blow to the film industry," said Bollywood director Mahesh
Bhatt, who directed Dutt in the 1986 hit movie "Namm," or "Name."























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