Sanjay Dutt out on parole, second time in three months

Incarcerated Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt was released on a month's parole from Yeravada Central Jail here to look after his ailing wife Manyata, official sources said Saturday. Dutt, 54, left for Mumbai immediately.

He had sought parole early this month from the Pune divisional commissioner which was granted.

However, the issue became controversial with most opposition parties opposing the "preferential" treatment to Dutt.

Denying the opposition charges, Home Minister R.R. Patil even said he would seek details of Manyata's illness.

The release came a day after the Maharashtra legislature's winter session ended in Nagpur Friday.

Earlier, well known cardiologist Ajay Chaughule, who had examined Manyata, revealed she was suffering from heart and liver problems which were "causing concern".

Manyata had complained of chest pain and sudden weight loss a few weeks ago and tests detected irregular heart beats and a large tumour growth on her liver, according to Chaughule, who is attached with Global Hospital, Mumbai, and specialises in heart and liver problems.

This is the second time the actor has come out on parole in the past three months.

Dutt was granted parole Oct 1 for a fortnight on medical grounds which was extended by another fortnight and he returned to jail Oct 30.

He was convicted and sentenced to five years in jail for his involvement in the March 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and has been in jail since mid-May this year to serve out the remaining 42 months of his sentence.