Click to play videoMumbai: For actor Sanjay Dutt the routine checks were yet another reminder of the things that are yet to unfold in the coming month but for people like Abdul Aziz it was time heave a sigh of relief.
Aziz now finally walks out of the TADA Court after being acquitted in the 1993 Serial Blast case.
"I am happy to be acquitted, but I lost 13 precious years of my life,” says Aziz.
He is one of the 23 accused who were finally acquitted by the court on Wednesday.
Apart from him, some of the 23 also chose to speak to the media, while some thought it better to hold their silence.
However, what is common to all is a shared history- one of agony, helplessness and 14 long years spent looking for closure.
Says one of the accused, Iqbal Ibrahim, “I have suffered a lot in these 13 years.”
"My son died due to lack of blood because I was in jail,” adds another accused, Mansoor Ahmed.
Dutt's close friend, Ajay Marwah was also seemed like a relieved man. "It feels good to be free,” Marwah said.
But for 100 others including Dutt, it is going to be another week before they are handed out their sentences which is from May 18.
The court is also expected hear Dutt's application for being let off on probation for good behaviour on May 16.
Meanwhile, the prosecution is planning on appealing against these acquittals in the Supreme Court.
"The sentencing will start from May 18 and all those found guilty have been asked to be present in court on that day,” says Special Public Prosecutor, Ujjwal Nikam.
For the court having taken 14 long years to accept their innocence is surely reason enough for the accused to celebrate and rejoice.
But the other question that now crops up is, the agony and suffering of the accused in this long drawn battle.
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