Forensic proof did Shiney in

MUMBAI: At police officer's decision to put in extra efforts in the collection of forensic evidence helped get actor Shiney Ahuja convicted for raping his maid, even though she turned hostile in court. The police had called in a forensic expert soon after registering an offence in the case.An officer stated that they knew the case wouldget controversial due to the involvement of an influential film personality.They also anticipated that most witnesses would not support the prosecution incourt. The victim, along with another maid from Shiney's residence,approached the Oshiwara police on the night of the incident. The officer on dutywas confused about how to handle the case and immediately informed seniors. Thendeputy commissioner of police (zone IX) Niket Kaushik went to the police stationand supervised the developments. He told the officers to protect the scene ofcrime till an expert could examine it. The officers were convincedthat the victim was genuine after verifying her background. When they got Ahujato the police station, he initially misled them that he tried to get close withher a day before and had not committed any crime.The expertscollected the bedsheet, clothes and related material from the spot, while thepolice conducted a medical examination of the victim and accused at the Nagpadapolice hospital. A DNA test helped the police establish the actor did have sexwith the maid.The police officers faced a tough time handlingrumours, allegedly spread by Ahuja's well-wishers, doubting the victim'scharacter. But the officer said they were confident about the conviction as theyhad strong evidence. The victim, who hailed from Raigad district,apparently turned hostile as she got a marriage proposal.