Tejpal case to be fast-tracked: Parrikar

Case to have a female judge

Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a journalist woman colleague, will be tried in a fast track court by a female judge, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said today.

Responding to a question at Aaj Tak Agenda, he said, "Tejpal will be tried in a fast track court. We will follow the Supreme Court's guidelines and have a female judge in this case."

He said, "Justice delayed is justice denied" and speedy justice should be given in all the cases. He also noted that the state has a record of just a few backlog of cases.Tejpal is currently in Goa police's custody for allegedly raping his employee last month.

He said despite Tejpal's sting operations that badly hit the BJP, he will not be treated in a "wrong way".

When asked on why did he choose to tell the media that probe will be conducted in a fair manner and without interference, he said he was merely replying to media questions.

"This is a matter of criminal investigation. Its not my habit to interfere in criminal investigation," Parrikar said.

"I will see to it that justice is given to the girl. No one be worried that Tejpal, just because of his earlier background, will be treated in a wrong way or a different way."

Tehelka's sting operation had led to the resignation of then BJP president Bangaru Laxman.