Goa Govt Challenges Tarun Tejpal’s Acquittal in Rape Case in HC

Goa Advocate General Devidas Pangam said that a date for hearing the appeal is yet to be assigned.

File image of former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal

(Photo: PTI) 

The Goa government on Tuesday, 25 May, challenged the acquittal by a sessions court of former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in the sexual assault case in the Bombay High Court.

Goa Advocate General Devidas Pangam told PTI that the state government has challenged the order before the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court.

Tarun Tejpal, who was accused of raping and sexually assaulting a former colleague in 2013, was acquitted by a Goa trial court on Friday, 21 May. Following which, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said that the state government will appeal against the verdict in the High Court.

Tejpal was accused of forcing himself on the woman, inside an elevator of the Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, Goa in 2013, during the news magazine’s official event – the THiNK 13 festival.

He was booked under IPC Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (sexual harassment), 354A(1) (I) (II) (demand for sexual favours), 354B (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).

Pangam added that a date for hearing the appeal is yet to be assigned.