Shiney sentenced to seven years in jail

Shiney Ahuja has been convicted of raping his maid and has been sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment. The verdict was delivered by the fast-track sessions court in Sewri yesterday.

An eyewitness says the actor broke down when he heard the verdict. Shiney can appeal in the High Court. He was accompanied by his wife Anupam in the court.

WHAT THEY SAY...

Most of Shiney Ahuja's co-stars and directors preferred not to comment about the actor's sentence. While they refrained from saying anything, a few put forth their thoughts

Mahesh Bhatt (Shiney acted in his productions like Gangster and Woh Lamhe): "His worst nightmare seems to be coming true. When it was alleged that he might have done it, there was a divided house.

Some thought maybe he was framed and he may come out clean. Alas! It has not happened despite the maid retracting her statement.

It's a moment of grief for everyone close to him. This verdict seems to change the notion that vulnerable and poor people don't get justice in India.

It is said that the maid was influenced to retract her statement. At the same time, let's be fair to Shiney.

We should not judge him till the time he moves to higher court. A lot of times, the verdicts have been changed."

Chitrangada Singh (acted with Shiney in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Kal: Yesterday and Tomorrow): "I only feel that the law is just as harsh and quick for the Kalamadis and Mayawatis of this country. Hope it's not an exceptional decision."