Rejecting his plea for leniency, actor Sanjay Dutt [Images] was on Tuesday given a six-year jail term in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case by a special court in Mumbai that said some of his acts were "eminently dangerous" and showed a "high element of criminality."

Immediately after the sentence was announced, members of Dutt's family were too saddened by the news to give their comments when approached by the press.

However, late on Tuesday evening the following letter was sent to the press by Dutt's family:

Respected members of the Press,

We do ask for your understanding for not having addressed the press earlier, but please treat this as our official press release.

The family is truly disturbed at the outcome of today's proceedings, but although disappointed we accept it with saddened hearts.

Sanjay has accepted the verdict, and has surrendered himself to the court. We will explore our legal options at this point, and proceed accordingly.

The family would like to thank everyone, all our well wishers, members of the film fraternity, Sanjay's fans and supporters for their prayers and support during this extremely trying time.

We would like to thank the press for their understanding and sympathy in this matter.

Thanking You,
Priya Dutt
Namrata Dutt
Kumar Gaurav
Owen Roncon