Tarun Tejpal, Former Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka, Acquitted by Goa Court of Rape Charges

Panaji, May 21: A sessions court in Goa on Wednesday acquitted journalist Tarun Tejpal of sexually assaulting a former female colleague. Tejpal, former Tehelka editor-in-chief, was accused of sexually assaulting the colleague inside the elevator of a luxury hotel in Goa in 2013. The court had earlier adjourned pronouncement of the verdict in the case on three occasions, citing various reasons. Tarun Tejpal’s Lawyer Rajeev Gomes Dies Due to COVID-19 Related Complications at Hospital in South Goa.

The court was to deliver the verdict on April 27, but the judge had adjourned it to May 12. On May 12, it was further adjourned to May 19 and on May 19, it was adjourned to May 21. The Goa police registered an FIR against Tejpal in November 2013 following which he was arrested. The Goa crime branch had filed a charge sheet against Tejpal, who has been out on bail since May 2014. Tarun Tejpal Case: Hotel CCTV Footage Will Demolish Prosecution, Says Defence Lawyer.

He faced trial under IPC sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 376(2)(f) (person in a position of authority over women, committing rape) and 376(2)k) (rape by a person in a position of control).

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