Rape case: Charges framed against Tarun Tejpal

Panaji: A local Goa court today framed charges against former Tehalka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in connection with a rape case filed against him four years ago and fixed November 21 for beginning of the trial. Mapusa District Judge Vijaya Pol ordered that the senior journalist be tried under sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 376 sub section 2 (F) and (K) (rape) and 354 (A) and (B) (criminal assault with intent to disrobe a woman) of Indian Penal Code.

Speaking to reporters, public prosecutor Francisco Tavera said, "Charges were formally explained to Mr Tejpal." Two days ago, Goa bench of the Bombay High Court had refused to stay processes of framing of charges against Tejpal. The senior journalist has been accused of raping a colleague during an event in Goa in 2013.

Tejpal was booked for allegedly molesting a junior colleague in a lift of a starred hotel during an event in Goa in 2013. On November 22, 2013, Goa Police took suo motu cognisance of the incident and a First Information Report was lodged against Tejpal. On November 28, 2013, Tejpal had come down to Goa and on November 30, he was arrested.

Later, he had moved an anticipatory bail plea which was rejected, but on May 19, 2014, he was given interim bail to attend cremation of his mother and later he was granted bail. Crime Branch of Goa Police had filed a charge sheet against him under sections 354, 354-A, 341, 342, 376, 376(2)(F) and 376(2) (K) of the Indian Penal Code. (UNI)