Goa Women's Commission demands arrest of Tejpal, Chaudhary

Goa State Women's Commission today demanded that Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist, be arrested along with the magazine's Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhary for allegedly trying to abet the crime.

"We demand with Goa police that Tejpal should be arrested immediately for sexually assaulting a woman in the (hotel) lift," GSWC Chairman Vidya Shet Tanavade told PTI today.

Chaudhary, who allegedly abetted the crime by trying to shield Tejpal, should also be booked and arrested, she said.

"Chaudhary knew about this crime much earlier. It was her duty to inform the police. She tried to hush up everything to protect Tejpal. It was unfair on her part to do so, especially she being a woman," Tanavade alleged.

"She (Chaudhary) should be booked and arrested for the offence," she demanded.

Goa police had earlier registered an FIR against Tejpal under sections dealing with rape and outraging modesty of a woman.

A woman journalist, who was part of the Tehelka's event in Goa, had complained to the management of the magazine that she was sexually assaulted by Tejpal in a hotel lift.

A team of Goa police is in Mumbai to record the statement of the woman.