Sanjay Dutt not a terrorist: Dasmunsi

New Delhi, Aug 1: Asserting that he stood by Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, sentenced in Mumbai serial blasts case yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi today said the actor was not a terrorist and his expression of sympathy for him was not tantamount to making any comment on the judiciary.

''As Minister in charge of matters relating to the film industry, I am concerned with the well being of those working there,'' Mr Dasmunsi said talking to reporters here.

''Agar kisi ko Sanjay ke saath hamdardi nahin hai to usko apne dil ki jaanch karwani chahiye (If one has not sympathy with Sanjay, there is something wrong with one's heart),'' he said.

Mr Dasmunsi's reply came when asked whether his statement yesterday questioning the quantum of punishment to the film actor was not a comment on the judicairy.

The Minister said Sanjay had already undergone enough suffering and during the 16 months of his imprisonment, his conduct was ideal.

Sanjay has shown great courage and patience, and an appeal for him will be made, he added.

In a statement yesterday, the Minister had expressed ''deep shock and surprise'' over the conviction of the film actor and said that he believed in the judiciary but felt that ''in a civil society time has come to gauge the parameters for an unintentional fault, for which Sanjay had already suffered enough.''

UNI