Sanjay Dutt thanks fans for standing by him

Mumbai, Aug 23: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who was released from the Yerawada jail after being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court, today thanked his fans and well wishers for having stood by him and his family. Issuing a statement after reaching his residence here, Sanjay Dutt said he intends to spend the brief period of bail working on his case with the lawyers.

''In all humility, I thank all those who prayed for me during this period of my life. I thank all those who stood by me and my family and supported us so firmly. I also thank all my fans in Pune who stood outside the jail waiting for me, I'm sorry I could not meet you all but thank you for your prayers. I was overwhelmed by your love. I could hear you when I was inside the jail, and your love kept me strong,'' Sanjay said.

''I have full faith in the judicial system, I respect the law and will abide by it. I once again thank the film industry, all my colleagues and friends, and above all, my fans for their support. I particularly thank my family for their unconditional and unending love and support,'' he said.

Sanjay Dutt was sentenced to six years RI under the Arms Act on July 31 in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case. He was given interim bail by Supreme Court on August 20 till the TADA court's judgement copy was provided to him. The actor and five others, who were given interim bail, will then have to surrender before the Pune jail after receiving the copy.

''On behalf of my family, we are thankful for this temporary relief that we have got. We are relieved to have our brother back home. We will always love and support him in any way we can. We thank everyone for their support and prayers. We have full faith in the judicial system and we are confident justice will be served,'' Sanjay's sister Congress MP Priya Dutt said in the statement.

UNI