‘Papa, Galti Ho Gayi Mere Se…’: Former IPS Officer Recalls Sanjay Dutt’s Emotional Breakdown After 1993 Mumbai Blast Case Arrest

One of the darkest chapters in Sanjay Dutt’s life continues to draw public attention decades later. During a recent interview, former IPS officer Rakesh Maria, who was part of the investigation into the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, recalled the emotional moment when the actor broke down after his arrest and apologised to his father, Sunil Dutt.

Speaking to Desi Studios, Rakesh Maria shared that Sanjay Dutt initially maintained his innocence during questioning and denied any involvement in the case. However, according to the retired officer, the actor later admitted that he had made a mistake and pleaded with investigators not to inform his father.

‘Papa, Galti Ho Gayi Mere Se’

Rakesh Maria described the heartbreaking meeting between father and son after Sunil Dutt arrived to see Sanjay.

According to Maria, the actor became overwhelmed with emotion the moment he saw his father. He recalled Sanjay falling at Sunil Dutt’s feet and apologising, saying, “Papa, galti ho gayi mere se.”

The former IPS officer said it was one of the most painful moments he had witnessed in his career, adding that he would never wish such an experience upon any parent.

Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam Also Recalled the Trial

Veteran public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, in a recent interview with Lallantop, also reflected on Sanjay Dutt’s courtroom appearance during the case.

According to Nikam, the actor appeared extremely nervous when the verdict was pronounced. He claimed Sanjay was visibly trembling and repeatedly insisted that he had not done anything wrong.

Nikam said he advised the actor to remain composed, reminding him that the media was watching closely before police escorted him away.

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What Was the Verdict in the 1993 Case?

Sanjay Dutt was arrested in connection with the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts investigation. While he was acquitted of charges related to terrorism and criminal conspiracy under TADA, the courts found him guilty under the Arms Act for illegally possessing prohibited firearms.

In 2013, the Supreme Court of India upheld his conviction under the Arms Act and sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment, reducing the earlier sentence proposed by the trial court. After accounting for the time he had already spent in custody, Sanjay completed the remainder of his sentence and was released from prison in 2016.

Sanjay Dutt on the Case Years Later

During an appearance on The Himanshu Mehta Show in 2025, Sanjay Dutt reflected on the case and the impact it had on his life and family.

The actor said his father and sisters had faced threats during that period and questioned why it had taken authorities so many years to conclude that he had no involvement in the bomb blasts or terrorism charges. He maintained that while he was convicted under the Arms Act, he had learned important lessons from the difficult phase of his life.

Since completing his sentence, Sanjay Dutt has rebuilt his career with notable appearances in films such as K.G.F: Chapter 2, Leo, and several upcoming projects, continuing to remain one of Bollywood’s most recognised actors.