My brother is not a terrorist: Priya Dutt

"Here is the verdict that Sanjay is not a terrorist. This is what at the moment we were waiting for," says Priya Dutt.

“When I heard that the judge had said that Sanjay is not a terrorist, it was a feeling of great relief,” said Priya Dutt at her residence, soon after coming back from the Tada Court.

“This was the moment when we missed our father the most because he would have loved to hear only that sentence. He (Sanjay) used to always assure everybody that he was not a criminal. Today after the court’s decision he felt a bit relieved that the 13-year-old wait was finally over,” she added. “Absolving the label of ‘terrorist’ was the biggest gift we have got.”

42-year-old Zulekha Sheikh a resident of Mira Road came down to get a glimpse of ‘Sanju Baba’ hoping that he would be set free by the court. When she left her house she promised Allah that if the actor was set free she would feed the poor at the local dargah. Sheikh who has been working along with Sunil Dutt as a social worker has always been grateful to the Dutt family.

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“Dutt sahab was a great human being. I had met several times when he used to come to meet the needy and poor in Santa Cruz and nearby areas,” Sheikh told HT outside the Dutt residence on Tuesday. Shiekh, who also worked as a chorus artist in the industry, had worked with Sanjay Dutt in his debut film ‘Rocky’ since then she always liked the kind of person Sanjay Dutt was.

“He was always over active and fun loving but I am sure he would never commit a crime. He might have done some mistake but I am sure they are not that serious that he should be punished,” said Sheikh adding that “He has already served his term I think he should be set free now.”

Baba Siddiqui “Dutt saheb had the same expectation from the judgement. The family are nationalists. They love their country and everyone is happy. The allegation of him being a terrorist has proved wrong. Sanjay was very happy with the judgement.”

Congress MLA Ashok Yadav, “After 13 years of wait finally the happiness has come. I have full faith in the judiciary. It is all because of his parents’ blessings and his truth. 13 years the family has struggled and at last they have emerged from a trying situation as a winner.” This is the only thing that has been shameful for the family,” he added.

Bunty Walia told HT, “The case has been going for a long time. Sanjay was never a terrorist as he was portrayed and he is really tired now and is planning to stay home today to rest.”

Satish Manshinde, Dutt’s advocate said, “Firstly Sanjay has been prohibited to talk to the media. I am sure he will have a tension free sleep today. Now that we know the outer limit of the case we can decide the course of action now.”

Email Jyoti Shelar: jyoti.shelar@hindustantimes.com