Tarun Tejpal Charged With Rape in Goa Court, Pleads Not Guilty

Tarun Tejpal has been accused of sexually assaulting a colleague in a hotel in Goa in November 2013.

A file photo of Tarun Tejpal who allegedly raped his junior colleague in 2013. 

(Photo: PTI)

In a setback to the former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, a district court in Goa on Thursday framed charges of rape and wrongful confinement against him in connection with an alleged rape case filed against him in 2013.

The trial in the case is set to begin on 21 November.

District Judge Vijaya Pol framed charges against Tejpal under sections 376 (punishment for rape) and 354 A (sexual harrassment) and B (criminal assault with intent to disrobe a woman), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 342 (wrongful confinement) under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), public prosecutor Fransisco Tavora told reporters.

“The judge will now try Tejpal under these sections," he said.

The lawyer representing Tarun Tejpal said that he has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Also Read: Timeline of Rape Case Against Tarun Tejpal: What Happened So Far?

Tejpal’s lawyer pleaded before the Mapusa court in Goa to put the trial on hold as a petition challenging the framing of charges is already pending before the Bombay High Court at Goa.

The judge rejected the plea and allowed the framing of charges against Tejpal.

Tejpal is alleged to have sexually assaulted a former colleague inside the elevator of a hotel in Goa in 2013.

Earlier this week, the Bombay High Court at Goa had refused to stay the framing of charges against him, while issuing a notice to the state government.

The High Court had, however, restrained the district court from examining the evidence in this case.

Also Read: Tarun Tejpal Row: Survivor Lashes out at His ‘Liberal’ Supporters

(With inputs from PTI, ANI)