Sanjay Dutt set for sentencing in Mumbai blasts

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, convicted of acquiring illegal weapons from gangsters linked with the country's worst bombings, will appear in court on Tuesday for likely sentencing.

Dutt, 48, was cleared of conspiracy in the serial blasts in Mumbai in 1993 that killed 257 people, but found guilty of unauthorised possession of an AK-56 rifle and a pistol.

Dutt's punishment carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and fines, but he could appeal.

"I'm mentally prepared for any sentence, but please pray for me," Dutt told the Times of India newspaper last week.

His lawyers have urged that the actor, who found fame playing macho gangsters and anti-heroes, be set free for his good behaviour during his bail.

The actor has been on bail since 1995 after more than a year in prison during initial investigations into the blasts.

His trial has transfixed Bollywood -- the world's largest film industry by volume and ticket sales. Millions of dollars are riding on movies already under production which involve the star.

The actor, son of legendary Bollywood couple Sunil and Nargis Dutt, is the most high-profile among 100 people, mostly Muslims, found guilty in the bombings trial, one of the world's longest-running court cases, which ended last year.

So far, a special anti-terrorism court has sentenced 96 people, including 12 to death, mostly on charges of conspiracy, preparing the bombs or leaving explosives-laden cars and scooters at several Mumbai landmarks such as the main stock exchange, two crowded markets and a cinema.
Police say the bombings were ordered by India's most wanted man, Muslim gangster Dawood Ibrahim, to avenge the destruction of an ancient mosque by Hindu zealots in 1992 and subsequent Hindu-Muslim riots in Mumbai and elsewhere across the country.

Dutt has said he procured the weapons to protect his family during the riots.