Sanjay Dutt: My mind said keep guns, my heart said no

Sanjay Dutt, who was arrested in April 1993 for illegal firearm possession, recently spoke about the pivotal moments surrounding his conviction. He revealed that he had ignored his conscience, allowing his mind to rationalize keeping weapons for a short period, a choice that led to a five-year prison sentence under the Arms Act. Dutt emphasized the importance of understanding national laws, acknowledging his complete ignorance of the potential legal repercussions.

Recounting the emotional impact of his arrest, Dutt described his father Sunil Dutt's stunned reaction and distress as he was handcuffed. He shared how he had to maintain a strong facade to comfort his father, a difficult task that continued throughout his 24-year legal battle. Despite the challenges, Dutt stated he refused to let his spirit break, surprising prison officials with his resilience.

The case against Dutt stemmed from the 1993 Mumbai serial bombings investigation. While acquitted of terror charges, he was convicted under the Arms Act. His sentence was finalized at five years by the Supreme Court in March 2013, and he was released in February 2016 after serving his term and receiving remission for good conduct.