The Hindu : National : Show mercy, Sanjay urges TADA judge

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Show mercy, Sanjay urges TADA judge

My young daughter's future depends on me, the actor tells judge

MUMBAI: Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, who has been convicted under the Arms Act in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, on Thursday sought leniency from the TADA court here saying he was the sole earning member of his family. He could attract a maximum punishment of 10 years and a minimum term of five years.

Mr. Dutt told judge P.D. Kode that the burden of his family fell on his shoulders after the death of his father Sunil Dutt 18 months ago.

"I have a daughter, aged 18, studying in New York and I am supporting her as her grandparents are old. Her future depends on me," said the actor.

"I love the country and the people of the country. Please show mercy and leniency on me. " He said he had personally raised funds for the Prime Minister's relief fund for tsunami.

Mr. Dutt said he also took up the work of a cancer foundation, started by his father 23 years ago after the death of his actress-mother, Nargis. The foundation is based in the U.S. and Canada and it purchases equipment and sends them to India to help patients who cannot afford treatment.

Admitting he was slightly nervous, Mr. Dutt said he had been in custody for 16 months before he was released on bail in October 1995. "I was on bail for 11 years and there was no complaint of misuse of liberty when I travelled within the country and abroad. I abided by the conditions imposed by the court." The actor said he had no other case pending against him.

PTI

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