Recently, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam recalled the case and spoke about several aspects that many fans may not have known. Nikam stated that he had insisted that the actor should not receive any special treatment and revealed that Sanjay Dutt was trembling with fear after the court announced its decision.
Speaking in a recent interview, Nikam said that whenever Sanjay Dutt cried, many people blamed him for the actor’s situation. He stated that the media can influence public perception about an individual. According to Nikam, when the court delivered its verdict against Sanjay Dutt, the actor was naturally frightened. Although he was out on bail, the court ordered his custody following the decision.
During the court proceedings, Nikam argued that Sanjay Dutt should not receive the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act. He said that the actor was convicted under the Arms Act, while the court had acquitted him of conspiracy charges, a decision that the prosecution did not challenge.
Nikam further stated that he had argued for a seven-year sentence under the Arms Act. Sanjay Dutt’s lawyer had argued that since it was his first offence, he should be released on a bond. Nikam opposed this argument, stating that the pistol possessed by the actor had come from one of Dawood Ibrahim’s most prominent shooters.
Nikam argued that if Sanjay Dutt had obtained a weapon from such a person, he would have been aware of the individual’s criminal background. He explained that the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act is generally intended for first-time offenders who are genuinely innocent but become involved due to unfortunate circumstances. According to Nikam, the circumstances in Sanjay Dutt’s case were different.
Recalling the courtroom proceedings, Nikam said that Sanjay Dutt had hired some of the country’s best lawyers for his defence. He stated that the court ultimately accepted the prosecution’s arguments and sentenced the actor to seven years of imprisonment.
Describing Sanjay Dutt’s reaction after the verdict, Nikam said the actor was trembling and repeatedly saying, “No sir, I have not done anything wrong, sir. I will come back.” Nikam recalled that he was standing nearby and told Sanjay Dutt, “Sanju, the media is watching, please stand straight.” He then asked the police personnel to take the actor into custody.
Nikam said that if he had not encouraged Sanjay Dutt at that moment, the media would have portrayed him as the villain. He added that public opinion at the time was largely against him.
The 1993 Mumbai bomb blast case remains one of the most significant legal battles involving a Bollywood actor. Ujjwal Nikam’s recent recollection has brought renewed attention to the courtroom arguments, legal proceedings, and emotional moments surrounding Sanjay Dutt’s conviction under the Arms Act.
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