Incarcerated actor Shiney Ahuja, held on charges of raping his domestic help, pleaded for bail on Friday before a local court saying he was victim of a "well-hatched conspiracy" to malign and extort money from him.

The 36-year-old actor denied he had raped the 20-year-old domestic help, claiming the act was "consensual".

However, Police opposed his release and the sessions court deferred hearing of the bail plea till July 7. The actor did not come to the court but his counsel Srikant Shivade sought time to reply to prosecution's arguments opposing Ahuja's bail.

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

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, though her statement had been recorded by a magistrate.

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 submitted.

"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 said in bail petition.

About nail marks found on his person, the actor said "mere presence of injury cannot convert such a sexual act into rape. Such injury is possible during sex".

... contd.