The Bombay High Court dismissed the Goa government’s appeal against the acquittal of the former Tehelka editor. The case began when a junior colleague accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her inside an elevator during a magazine event at a luxury hotel in Goa. A bench of Justices Dr. Neela Gokhale and Amit Borkar of the Bombay High Court convicted Tejpal.
What did investigating officer Sunita Sawant say?
Sunita Sawant, the investigating officer of the Goa Police in the Tarun Tejpal sexual assault case, stated, “The case was investigated thoroughly. Everything that came to light during the investigation was presented to the court. There was a point when the trial court was unable to understand the evidence. Everything was debated before the High Court. The High Court has overturned the acquittal order.”
What is the Tarun Tejpal sexual assault case?
This case involves allegations by a female journalist who alleged that Tarun Tejpal sexually assaulted her inside a hotel elevator on November 7 and 8, 2013. Tejpal was arrested on November 30, 2013, based on these allegations. On September 29, 2017, the court framed charges against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including rape, sexual assault, and wrongful confinement. However, he pleaded not guilty.
Tejpal approached the Supreme Court
After the charges were framed, Tejpal approached the Supreme Court to have the charges against him dismissed. However, the Supreme Court refused to quash the charges and directed the trial to be completed within six months.
In May 2021, the Goa Sessions Court acquitted Tejpal of all charges, stating that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The trial court cited a lack of medical evidence and, relying on messages between the complainant and Tejpal, concluded that they did not support the prosecution’s claim that she was traumatized by the alleged assault. The Goa government subsequently challenged the acquittal in the Bombay High Court, seeking to overturn the trial court’s decision.