Sanjay Dutt has suffered a lot, should get mercy: Chiranjeevi

New Delhi: Almost all Indian Superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikant, Shahrukh Khan and many others have already voiced their support to actor Sanjay Dutt, convicted under the Arms Act for his role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts. But Telugu Megastar Chiranjeevi was keeping mum. On Wednesday, film star-turned-Union Minister for Tourism said that he should be given mercy as he has suffered a lot.

Talking to reporters, Chiranjeevi spoke about Sanjay Dutt here on the sidelines of a tourism-related event. "He has suffered a lot. If he gets mercy, then nothing like it. He is regretting what he has done. He is a nice person. I pray for him from the bottom of my heart. My sympathies are with him," IANS quotes the Telugu Megastar as saying.

Sanjay Dutt was sentenced to five years in jail by the Supreme Court March 21 for illegal arms possession during the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. He was asked to surrender in four weeks to serve his remaining term of three-and-half years as he has already spent 18 months in jail. Several members of the film fraternity and politicians like former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh and actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada have spoken in Sanjay's support.

Press Council of India chairperson Markandey Katju also sought pardon on humanitarian grounds for the actor and Zaibunissa Kazi, both of whom have been sentenced to five years in prison for their role in the 1993 Mumbai bombings. However, other political parties like the BJP and the Shiv Sena have opposed the move, saying it would not be fair to pardon Dutt.