Police in Goa began investigations into alleged sexual assault of a woman journalist of 'Tehelka' by its editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, a day after he said he has recused himself from editing the magazine for six months, to "atone" for what he termed was lapse of judgment.
On Thursday, the issue dominated television broadcasts and social media with legal experts saying the offence as described in the journalist's complaint can attract punishment up to 10 years in prison if Tejpal was found guilty.
"If we find any substance against Tejpal, a suo motu case can be registered against him since the incident happened in Goa. Only after police report, I would be able to speak more on the issue," Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said. The Goa Police has obtained CCTV footage from the hotel where the incident took place and is examining the evidence.
According to the complaint of the lady journalist to the magazine, Tejpal assaulted her on two separate occasions during an event organised by the magazine in Goa on 8-10 November. She demanded a written apology from Tejpal and that the magazine set up an anti-sexual harassment cell to investigate the matter.
Tehelka is owned by Anant Media Pvt Ltd, majority (75%) owned by corporate entities. Trinamool Congress MP KD Singh used to be a promoter, but his party colleague Derek O'Brien tweeted on Thursday that KD Singh had told him, "I am not the owner of Tehelka. I have nothing to do with the publication." Tarun Tejpal and family control most of the remaining equity. Union minister Kapil Sibal, senior advocate Ram Jethmalani and former Thermax chairman Anu Aga are among minority shareholders. Singh did not respond to questions that were emailed to him. Sibal and Jethmalani did not respond to text messages. Aga said she was unaware of what had happened at the magazine.
On Thursday, the issue dominated television broadcasts and social media with legal experts saying the offence as described in the journalist's complaint can attract punishment up to 10 years in prison if Tejpal was found guilty.
"If we find any substance against Tejpal, a suo motu case can be registered against him since the incident happened in Goa. Only after police report, I would be able to speak more on the issue," Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said. The Goa Police has obtained CCTV footage from the hotel where the incident took place and is examining the evidence.
According to the complaint of the lady journalist to the magazine, Tejpal assaulted her on two separate occasions during an event organised by the magazine in Goa on 8-10 November. She demanded a written apology from Tejpal and that the magazine set up an anti-sexual harassment cell to investigate the matter.
Tehelka is owned by Anant Media Pvt Ltd, majority (75%) owned by corporate entities. Trinamool Congress MP KD Singh used to be a promoter, but his party colleague Derek O'Brien tweeted on Thursday that KD Singh had told him, "I am not the owner of Tehelka. I have nothing to do with the publication." Tarun Tejpal and family control most of the remaining equity. Union minister Kapil Sibal, senior advocate Ram Jethmalani and former Thermax chairman Anu Aga are among minority shareholders. Singh did not respond to questions that were emailed to him. Sibal and Jethmalani did not respond to text messages. Aga said she was unaware of what had happened at the magazine.
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