In a recent interview, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam revisited the 1993 Bombay blasts case, offering insights into actor Sanjay Dutt's involvement. Nikam revealed that Dutt's "craze for weapons" led him to possess an AK-56 rifle, delivered by underworld figure Abu Salem prior to the blasts.
According to Nikam, Sanjay Dutt's fascination with weaponry was the primary reason he acquired the AK-56. In an interview with Shubhankar Mishra on YouTube, Nikam stated, "Personally, I believe that he was crazy about weapons. And that's why he had one AK-56 rifle. But before the blasts, Abu Salem brought one tempo full of weapons and Sanjay saw it and he kept one rifle for himself and returned the rest". Dutt was later arrested under the Arms Act for possessing the illegal weapon.
Nikam clarified that he doesn't believe Dutt had any direct connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts. However, he emphasized that Dutt could have inadvertently helped prevent the tragedy. Nikam explained that had Dutt informed the police about the "tempo full of weapons," authorities could have apprehended the accused and potentially stopped the attacks. "Sanjay didn't know that the blast was going to happen but even if he had informed that these many weapons came in, and they had RDX, hand grenades, then the police would have investigated and stopped the blasts," Nikam said.
The 1993 Bombay blasts were a series of 12 bomb explosions that took place on March 12, 1993, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. The attacks resulted in 257 fatalities and over 1,400 injuries.
Dutt's legal troubles began when he was arrested in 1994 for his involvement in the case. He confessed that Abu Salem, along with Samir Hingora and Hanif Kadawala, had visited his home in January 1993 and delivered three AK-56 rifles with ammunition. Dutt claimed he kept one rifle for self-protection due to threats his family had received during the Mumbai riots following the demolition of the Babri mosque in December 1992.
While Dutt was acquitted of terrorism charges under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), he was convicted under the Arms Act for illegal possession of weapons. He was sentenced to six years in prison, a term later reduced to five years by the Supreme Court. Dutt completed his sentence in 2016.
Nikam also addressed the support Dutt received from Bollywood during his trial. He recalled how the industry rallied behind Dutt, prompting him to tell the press that he would continue to prosecute the case and not succumb to pressure.
The prosecutor recounted that Sunil Dutt, Sanjay's father, had sought help from Bal Thackeray, a prominent political figure. According to Nikam, Thackeray had also approached him, asserting Dutt's innocence and requesting his release.
