Bollywood Star Gets Six Years As Lengthy Mumbai Bombing Trial Ends

One of Bollywood's biggest names, Sanjay Dutt, was jailed for six years yesterday on the last day of a lengthy trial into India's worst terrorist attack, the 1993 Mumbai bombings in which 257 people died.

Dutt, whose early success was founded on action hero roles but who later turned his hand to comedy, was found guilty of illegally possessing three AK-56 rifles, a pistol and ammunition, said to have been obtained from the Mumbai underworld, in a trial that lasted more than 12 years.

However, he was cleared of terrorism conspiracy charges in the blasts.

The actor claimed he feared for his life after the notorious "Black Friday" bombings, which were allegedly staged by Mumbai's Muslim-dominated mafia in retaliation for deadly Hindu-Muslim clashes a few months earlier. But the judge, Pramod Kode, rejected this defence and also refused bail.

"The crime was not brutal and did not result in any harm to anyone," said Judge Kode. But it was an "eminently dangerous act", which encouraged others to break the law. Dutt, 48, wept before the judge, after pleading with folded hands to be given bail to prepare an appeal.

"Don't be sentimental, be calm and quiet," the judge told him. Dutt was also fined 25,000 rupees (£305).

The actor, who has 1bn rupees worth of films depending on him, is likely to serve a little more than four years in prison as he has already spent 18 months in jail awaiting trial. Bollywood was quick to support Dutt, who has garnered sympathy for his long battle with alcohol. Kirron Kher, another Bollywood star, told reporters Dutt had "suffered enough for years [and] he has been exemplary in behavior".

Dutt's lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, called the sentence "harsh" and said the actor would appeal in the supreme court.

"Sanjay Dutt is a strong man. He has bounced back every time he has faced a crisis. This is one such crisis," Mr Maneshinde told reporters. "Millions of fans and his family are praying for him and this will sustain him when he is in prison."

The sentencing once again raised questions about India's film industry, which has long been dogged by rumours of links to Mumbai's criminal underworld. But trade analysts questioned whether the impact would be long-lasting.

"Sanjay Dutt was not convicted of terrorism. People will make the distinction and he will be welcomed back by the masses. He's got a big following. Even if he does four years he can come back and start afresh," said Komal Nata, who runs Film Information, an industry guide.

The sentencing of Dutt, along with three others, ended the trial, which saw more than 100 people convicted, 686 witnesses and 13,000 pages of testimony. A dozen people were sentenced to death, while 20 others face life sentences.