Consensual sex with my maid: Shiney Ahuja

Mumbai, Jul 04 : Stating that he had consensual sex with his domestic help, actor Shiney Ahuja, who had been held for allegedly raping the girl, has told a court that he had been framed.

"It is a well-hatched conspiracy to malign my image and extort money from me. The victim's story of alleged rape is highly suspicious and doubtful as no external injuries were found on her person," Ahuja informed in his bail petition before the sessions court.

Commenting on bruises on his body, he maintained, “Mere presence of injury cannot convert such a sexual act into rape. Such injury is possible during sex".

The court deferred a decision of Ahuja’s petition till July 7 after the police opposed it. His lawyer, Srikant Shivade, sought time to reply to prosecution's arguments opposing bail.

Ahuja was detained on June 15 after his maid accused him of raping her while they were alone at his residence in suburban Oshiwara the day before.

Prosecutor R V Kini argued that granting bail to Ahuja at this stage might hamper probe, as he was influential and might tamper with witnesses or even intimidate the victim.

He said police had a strong case against the actor on the basis of DNA and medical reports. Until the chargesheet is filed, the actor should not be released on bail, Kini said.

Ahuja said in the bail petition that he was an upcoming actor and movies in which he was cast were held up because he was in jail. "This was causing hardship to producers, directors and co-actors".

The actor's wife Anupam had denied the rape charge against him, saying her husband was innocent and was being "framed".

However, Police said DNA and medical reports of the victim and Ahuja had corroborated allegations made by the maid in FIR.

Ahuja's judicial custody has been extended till July 16. He is currently lodged in the Central Prison at Arthur Road in Central Mumbai.