Shiney Ahuja jailed for seven years

A court in Mumbai sentenced actor Shiney Ahuja to seven years in jail after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting his maid in 2009. As Judge PM Chauhan of the Sewri fast track sessions court delivered the judgment, Ahuja broke down in the court. The verdict came despite the maid turning hostile during the trial.

Ahuja was arrested June 15, 2009 after medical tests on the maid confirmed sexual assault. The Bombay High Court had granted him bail in October 2009. Relying mostly on the police complaint filed against Ahuja, the court did not accept the maid's version that she was not attacked as the judge felt that she gave false evidence, Ahuja's lawyer Shrikant Shivade said.

The 20-year-old maid had in June 2009 lodged a police complaint alleging she was sexually assaulted by Ahuja while she was at work at his residence, following which the actor was arrested. In August 2009, the case was moved to a fast track court. Ahuja was granted bail in October 2009 by the Bombay High Court citing lack of evidence.

Over a year after accusing Ahuja of the crime, the maid in September 2010 told the court that the incident never took place. The medical examination in June 2009, however, confirmed the assault.

She also stated before the judge that she made the serious charge against Ahuja because of pressure from a woman who introduced her to the actor.

In a 109-page chargesheet, Ahuja was accused of assault, criminal intimidation and holding his maid hostage. In his defence, Ahuja had argued that he was being framed. Now, his lawyer has said that he would be filing an appeal against the verdict in a higher court.