Bollywood actor and 1993 Mumbai blast convict Sanjay Dutt’s parole was extended to February19 by the Maharashtra government on Monday. Mr. Dutt, who has been out on parole since December 21, was scheduled to return to Yerawada Central Prison on Monday. The actor had submitted a request for extension to Pune Divisional Commissioner Prabhakar Deshmukh earlier last week stating his wife was hospitalised.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Deshmukh said Dutt’s parole was extended by 30 days on medical grounds. “Mr. Dutt’s wife Manyata underwent an operation on January 8. According to her doctors, she might need more surgery. We considered the seriousness of the situation while granting extension.”
He said Dutt followed the terms and conditions of the parole last month. “Any convict is eligible for 90 days’ parole in a calendar year. Dutt can seek another 30 days if required,” Mr. Deshmukh said.
Ms Dutt’s physician Ajay Choughule told The Hindu that Manyata’s health was stable and was being constantly monitored. “We will need more time to ascertain whether more surgery is needed,” he said.
Parole for Zaibusnissa KaziThe State government also granted one month’s parole to Zaibunissa Kazi, another accused in the case, on Monday. Ms. Kazi’s request for parole to meet her 90-year-old ailing mother was rejected in December, even as Mr. Dutt’s parole was cleared the same month. Ms. Kazi’s family had accused the government of giving preferential treatment to Mr. Dutt.
The special Terrorism and Disruptive Activities Prevention Act (TADA) court convicted Ms. Kazi, 74, of possessing illegal arms and ammunition under the stringent TADA Act.
