A fast-track court on Wednesday, has found actor Shiney Ahuja guilty of raping his 20-year-old domestic help and sentenced him to seven years rigorous imprisonment, based on the strong medical evidence, a positive DNA test and the victim's statement to a magistrate. Dressed in a pink T-shirt and jeans, Shiney entered court with his wife, Anupam and lawyer, Shrikant Shivde. His mother was present with a relative for the hearing. He broke down on hearing the judge's pronouncement, and was being consoled by his wife, Anupam. He has been sent to jail directly from court. His lawyer has said that an appeal will be filed in the High Court, against the current verdict.

In June 2009, an 18-year-old domestic help had been hired by the Ahuja couple. She was allegedly raped by Shiney while his wife was away. DNA tests confirmed the rape and Ahuja was arrested. In his bail application, Shiney maintained that the rape charges were aimed at extortion as the sex had been consensual.

In October 2009, the Bombay High Court granted Ahuja bail but asked him to stay out of Mumbai to avoid unduly influencing the victim. In 2010, their story was backed by the victim, who confessed in court that she had framed the actor at the urging of a friend who had a grudge against him. However, the court relied on medical tests that established rape, implying that the maid was either threatened or bribed into turning hostile.

Having starred in hit films including 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi' and 'Life In a Metro', the thirty-seven year old actor had also been earlier imposed with a fine of Rs 3,000 (but later acquitted) based on charges of illegal confinement and criminal intimidation, as alleged by the victim. After the sentencing, it looks unlikely that the actor's career will see the light of day.