Bollywood actor did not rape me: maid

The 20-year-old domestic help who had accused actor Shiney Ahuja (32) of raping her last year has now told the court that he “never” raped her, The Hindustan Times reported on Wednesday.

The woman, who used to work at the Bollywood actor’s flat in Oshiwara, told the fast trackcourt in Sewri, on September 3, that she had lodged a police complaint on instructions by the woman who had introduced her to the Ahujas for employment.

Following her deposition, the court has declared her a “hostile witness”. “But, the trial will continue,” said public prosecutor Kashinath Dige, who refused to say any more as the matter is sub-judice.

The next hearing is scheduled on September 15,when the court will examine other witnesses and evidence.

Ahuja was arrested on June 14, 2009, after the maid lodged a complaint with Oshiwara police station alleging that the actor had raped her in the flat in the afternoon while she was alone.

 The actor spent more than three months in jail and was released on October 1, 2009, after the Bombay High Court granted him bail.