New Delhi, July 12, 2026 – Senior government counsel Ujjwal Nikam told a media outlet today that if Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt had reported the AK‑56 rifle he held to the police, the devastating 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts could have been averted.

Historical Context

The 1993 Mumbai bombings, carried out over three days at twelve locations, claimed roughly 250 lives and injured thousands. The attacks were orchestrated by a criminal syndicate that also trafficked a cache of weapons, including hand grenades and assault rifles. At the time, Dutt was arrested on charges of possessing illegal arms; however, the Supreme Court acquitted him in 2013, citing insufficient evidence.

Nikam’s Statement

Nikam asserted, “Had Mr. Dutt immediately informed the police upon discovering the AK‑56, the security forces would have acted swiftly, dismantling the conspiracy before the explosives could be deployed.” He emphasized that while Dutt returned some grenades, he retained the rifle, which later entangled him in a protracted legal battle.

Potential Implications

Early disclosure could have saved countless innocent lives, accelerated arrests of the conspirators, and exposed the entire plot much earlier. Nikam framed Dutt’s inaction as a missed “opportunity” that cost the nation dearly.

Counterpoints

Despite the grave accusation, Nikam clarified, “Sanjay Dutt was never a terrorist; his interest lay in weapon collection, not in planning attacks.” This nuanced stance has sparked criticism from Dutt’s supporters while prompting calls for a fresh judicial review of the 1993 case.

The fallout from Nikam’s remarks will likely shape political discourse, testing the balance between celebrity accountability and the broader quest for justice in India’s most infamous terror incident.