The case against Shiney

Shiney Ahuja's wife Anupam Ahuja has launched a spirited defence of her husband, accused of raping his maid.

"This cannot be a trial by the media. This has to be fought in court. This is utter rubbish," said Anupam Ahuja, wife of Shiney Ahuja.

Anupam Ahuja braves the media glare to defend her husband supported by friends and neighbours.

Yet while Shiney's family stands by him, evidence against him is growing. The police say medical tests conducted on the alleged victim point to rape.

A preliminary medical checkup at Cooper Hospital showed that she was sexually violated.

A more detailed medical report from Nagpada Hospital showed injuries on her private parts and scratches on her body, indicating force.

The police also claim that the actor has changed his version several times.

They claim that during his interrogation he first admitted to the crime and later said it was consensual sex even calling it a mistake.

Shiney's changing versions:

• June 14: Admits to crime; claims 'these things happen all the time'
• June 15: 'Sex was consensual'
• June 16: 'I made a mistake'
• June 16: 'Sex was consensual'

Police sources says these are not written statements and do not hold in a court of law.

"My husband has not confessed," said Anupam Ahuja, wife of Shiney Ahuja.

What could help the police's case are the statements of witnesses which corroborate the victim's own testimony. Her aunt, a maid who went to pick her up from the Ahuja household on Sunday evening has told the police:

Statement of victim's aunt:

• At that time, the victim and Shiney were alone at home
• When the victim opened the door she was crying
• She spoke of the assault when they reached home
• Victim said Shiney had dragged her into the bedroom and raped her
• Victim said Shiney threatened to kill her if she told anyone

Shiney's family maintains the actor has been framed; the final clincher could be the results of the forensic tests conducted on the victim and at the scene of the crime results which are still awaited.