Bollywood star who bought guns from Mumbai bombers walks free from jail

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has been released from prison after serving four years for possessing weapons supplied by the men behind Mumbai’s deadly bomb blasts in 1993. The disgraced star touched the ground with his hand and saluted at the prison as he walked free in the western city of Pune. Speaking outside his home in Mumbai, the smiling 56-year-old actor, famed for a string of action roles and daredevil stunts which earned him the nickname Deadly Dutt, said: "It is still not sinking in … To be fully free is the most amazing feeling.“

For 23 years I waited to taste freedom. Finally the day has arrived today that I walked out of the jail as a free man.

Sanjay Dutt

Dutt was sentenced to a six-year term after being convicted in 2006 of possessing an automatic rifle and pistol supplied by mafia bosses who orchestrated the Mumbai bombings that killed 257 people. He insisted the two guns were only meant to protect his family in the tense atmosphere which followed. His term was later cut to five years. Following his release, fans, friends and family flocked to his house to celebrate, banging drums in the street and throwing garlands around his neck. However, activists have fiercely opposed Dutt’s release eight months ahead of schedule, claiming he was being given special treatment because of his celebrity status.

I am out here because of their (fans’) support. There is no easy walk to freedom, my friends.

Sanjay Dutt

sanjay dutt