This Article is From May 22, 2013

Sanjay Dutt is qaidi number 16656 at Pune's Yerwada jail

Sanjay Dutt is qaidi number 16656 at Pune's Yerwada jail
Pune: For the next 42 months, actor Sanjay Dutt will be known as qaidi (prisoner) number 16656 at Pune's Yerwada Jail.

The 53-year-old actor, who was moved to this high-security prison in Pune from Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail last night, has been kept in a separate room. It was earlier rumoured that he will be kept in the "Anda cell" - an egg shaped structure considered one the most secure cells in the prison, half of which is sunk into the ground.

Sanjay Dutt, who has been convicted in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case for illegal possession of weapons, is no stranger to this Pune prison. He has served time twice here. But unlike the last two times, he is a convict now and not an under-trial. The actor will hence have to wear the jail uniform this time.

The last time Sanjay Dutt was at Yerwada Jail, he had taken up carpentry. This time, he is expected to do labour work. He is entitled to get a monthly allowance of Rs. 1500 from his family to buy essentials from jail canteen. He can meet visitors once a month for just 20 minutes.

In March this year, the Supreme Court had upheld his conviction in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case but reduced a trial court sentence of six years to five years. The actor now has to serve 42 months in jail as he has already served 18 months 20 years ago, part of it at the Yerwada Jail.
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