Bollywood star Dutt jailed for six years

INDIA: Bollywood movie star Sanjay Dutt was Tuesday sentenced to six years in jail for illegal weapons possession in connection with serial bombings in Mumbai in 1993.

“Sanjay was not a minor at that time. Acquiring a weapon of this nature suggests the character of the person, and is contrary to the law,” anti-terror judge Pramod Kode said after handing down the sentence.

Dutt, who has been out on bail awaiting sentencing, was last year found guilty of possessing guns but was cleared of the more serious charge of conspiracy in connection with the attacks, which killed 257 people.

The hugely popular Dutt, known for his tough guy roles in Indian cinema, faced a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

He has already served 18 months on remand in the mid-1990s, and had requested that he be allowed to stay free on probation.

Tuesday, AFP