Journalist Tarun Tejpal acquitted in rape case after 8 years, said – I am very grateful for justice
Panaji: Former editor-in-chief of Tehelka magazine Tarun Tejpal has been acquitted by the Goa court in the rape case. On the court’s decision, Tarun Tejpal said that it has been a long nightmare for my family. I am relieved and it is finally over. I am very grateful for justice, because people here do not always get justice. Tejpal was accused of sexually assaulting a woman colleague in a lift in a luxury hotel in Goa. Goa police registered an FIR against Tejpal in November 2013. He has been out on bail since May 2014.
On September 29, 2017, the court charged him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including rape, sexual harassment and wrongful confinement. However, he described himself as innocent. After the charges were framed, Tejpal moved the Supreme Court to quash the charges against him. In August, the top court refused to quash the charges and directed the trial to be concluded within six months.
Earlier the decision was adjourned by Additional District Sessions Court Judge Kshama Joshi. During this time, the court said that the decision was being deferred due to a shortage of staff due to the coronavirus epidemic. During this time Tejpal was present in the court along with some members of his family. While coming out of the court, Tejpal did not respond. He said that the matter is under consideration.