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 pleaded that his career was at stake. He came from a reputed family and his father was a colonel in army while mother was a teacher.

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.

The actor has been examined by a jail doctor after he told a court on Thursday that he was not keeping well. Jail sources said he is much better now and that may be feeling a little depressed.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had said recently that the case would be committed to a fast track court soon to ensure prompt justice and promised that the victim would be rehabilitated.

Opposing the actor's bail, the police said that his family is respectable and reputed but it "does not reflect on Ahuja's loose character".

"The accused (Ahuja) has great talent but that does not make him a respectable person. If he is released on bail then it would have a huge impact on the society and the women at large, as the offence committed by him is grave and heinous," the reply filed by the police said.

... contd.