A Goa court on Thursday charged Tarun Tejpal, former editor-in-chief of the news magazine Tehelka, with sexual offenses against a junior female colleague four years ago.
Tejpal allegedly raped the woman in an elevator at a five-star hotel, during the magazine’s THiNK 2013 festival in North Goa’s Bambolim on November 7, 2013. He allegedly repeated the offense on November 8.
ANI quoted Public Prosecutor Francisco Taviera as saying, ‘Tejpal pleaded not guilty to rape charges.”
Tejpal was charged with rape, sexual harassment, wrongful confinement and other offenses.
Tejpal has denied all the charges against him, saying they are “absolutely false” and motivated by a “political vendetta.” He has asked the Bombay High Court to dismiss the case.
DNA reported that the court has endorsed charges under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), and 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code. An additional Section 354 (b) (criminal assault with intent to disrobe) charge had been added.
News 18 reported that the journalist’s trial will begin on November 21.