CBI seeks 10 years RI for Dutt

Mumbai, Feb 8 (UNI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today contended before the special TADA court here that Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt should be awarded ten years rigorous imprisonment for his role in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.

Meanhwile, the court today provided further relief to Dutt and extended the time limit for his surrender until further orders.

The prosecution, on behalf of the CBI, today completed its arguments on the quantum of punishment to be awarded to Dutt, who has been convicted under the Arms Act. The defence sought time till February 20, to file a reply on the prosecution's arguments.

While opposing the actor's plea for relief under the Probation of Offender's Act (POA), special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam contended before the court that an AK-56 assault rifle was found in possession of Dutt. The rifle is a weapon of mass destruction, and, therefore, he should be awarded ten years rigorous imrisonment under the Arms Act.

A person held guilty under the act faces five to ten years imprisonment and the actor has already spent 18 months in prison as an undertrial.

Opening the arguments on the second day, the CBI prosecutor contended before the court that Dutt was a habitual offender. He had acquired a 9 mm pistol from Abdul Quyoom, a close associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, in 1991, the prosecution told the court. That apart, the actor had attended a dinner hosted by the don in Dubai.

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