Tejpal seeks two days from Goa Police, Shoma quits

Tehelka founder-editor Tarun Tejpal sought two more days for appearing before Goa Police to answer charges of sexual assault against him, as the news magazine's managing editor Shoma Chaudhury resigned earlier in the day.

Tejpal, who has been accused of sexual assault by a junior colleague, was summoned to appear before the investigating officer by 3 p.m. Thursday. He wrote to Goa Police seeking time till Saturday.

In his letter, Tejpal said that he had received the summons late Wednesday and also mentioned that a verdict on his anticipatory bail application was due in the Delhi High Court Friday. He assured his co-operation in the probe.

Earlier in the day, managing editor Shoma Chaudhury resigned from her post, a statement posted on its website said.

Chaudhary's resignation came 10 days after a woman journalist with the news magazine first wrote to her and accused Tejpal of sexual assault.

In her resignation letter, Chaudhury said she had "taken a series of actions in response to this (the junior journalist's) complaint".

She said: "To my mind, I acted on instant outrage and solidarity for our colleague as a woman and co-worker."

She added: "I could have done many things differently and in a more measured way, I reject the allegations of a cover-up because in no way could the first actions that were taken be deemed suppression of any kind."