NCW Chief seeks stern action against Tarun Tejpal

National Commission for Women (NCW) Chief, Mamta Sharma on Tuesday sought stern action against founder and former editor of investigative magazine Tehelka,Tarun Tejpal, who has been in judicial custody over allegations of sexually assaulting his woman colleague, a case that went viral and turned the focus back on crime against women.

The chairperson of NCW said the panel was waiting for the court's decision to take further action, pressing for harsh punishment she added he should not be given VIP treatment.

"After the suo moto cognizance we did not close this case. We were waiting for the court's verdict so we did not pursue it. Now that the chargesheet has been filed against him, we will close the case. I want that he should be treated like a common man and should not get a VIP treatment. He should be brought to book and if at all denies accusation filed against him, in that case he must prove his innocence, she said

The Goa High Court today deferred the bail plea hearing of Tejpal till March 4.

Police in coastal province of Goa filed chargesheet Tarun Tejpal under new Criminal Law Act.

Tejpal, 50, was accused of sexually assaulting a junior woman colleague, twice, in a hotel elevator during a conference in Goa in November last year. The victim had also accused Tejpal's family members of trying to intimidate her.

The chargesheet was submitted by the crime branch on Monday before judicial magistrate that would be later handed over to district and sessions court.

Tejpal will now have to face toughened amended laws on sex crimes and if proven guilty, he can be sentenced for more than seven years of imprisonment.