Ujjwal Nikam, the special public prosecutor in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, has stated that actor Sanjay Dutt could have potentially prevented the tragedy had he informed the police about a tempo filled with weapons that was delivered to his residence prior to the bombings. Nikam, now a Rajya Sabha nominee, revealed this information in a recent interview, revisiting his career and reflecting on key cases he handled.
According to Nikam, a vehicle laden with arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles and hand grenades, was brought to Dutt's house by Abu Salem, an associate of Dawood Ibrahim, days before the March 12, 1993, blasts. Dutt allegedly took some hand grenades and guns, later returning them but keeping an AK-47 for himself. Nikam asserts that had Dutt alerted the authorities about the weapons delivery, an investigation would have been launched, potentially disrupting the plans of those responsible for the bombings.
"I have only one thing to say. The blast took place on March 12, days before a van came to his (Sanjay Dutt's) house. It was full of weapons– hand grenades, AK 47s. Abu Salem (henchman of gangster Dawood Ibrahim) had brought it. Sanjay picked some hand grenades and guns. Then he returned it all and kept just one AK 47. Had he informed the police at the time, the police would have investigated and the Mumbai blasts would never have happened,” Nikam stated. He further elaborated that the weapons included RDX, a powerful explosive used in the attacks.
The 1993 Mumbai blasts were a series of 12 bomb explosions that ripped through the city, killing 267 people and injuring over 1,400. Sanjay Dutt was convicted for illegal possession of arms under the Arms Act but was acquitted of terrorism charges under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA). He was sentenced to six years in jail, which was later reduced to five years by the Supreme Court.
Nikam clarified that he doesn't believe Dutt was involved in the blasts. He attributed Dutt's actions to a fascination with weapons. "I personally believe that he was crazy about weapons. And that's why he had one AK-56 rifle," Nikam said. He also mentioned that Dutt had previously purchased a 9mm pistol, a prohibited weapon, from an associate of Dawood Ibrahim.
Nikam also recounted the pressure he faced during the case, including a request from Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray to let Dutt go, who believed the actor was innocent and easily influenced. Nikam also noted the support Dutt received from Bollywood. "After the court declared Sanjay Dutt as guilty, Bollywood launched a campaign saying, 'Baba, you are not guilty, we are with you.' So I gave a statement in the press, 'I will prosecute, you are trying to pressurise the judiciary.' Bollywood thanda pad gaya (Bollywood stopped after that)," Nikam said.
Despite Dutt's conviction under the Arms Act, Nikam said, "He did commit an offence in the eyes of the law... But he is a straightforward guy… I considered him innocent". Nikam also mentioned advising Dutt to maintain a strong demeanor after his conviction to avoid creating a perception of guilt.
