Charge sheet likely in one month in Tejpal's case: Goa CM

Charge sheet is likely to be filed in the sexual assault case against Tehelka magazine editor Tarun Tejpal in next one to one-and-a-half months, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today said.

He told reporters today that he would ensure that justice is done in the case.

"I will ensure that justice would be given to Tejpal. Justice does not mean not to punish him, but fair investigation would be conducted in the matter," Parrikar said spelling out a deadline of one to one-and-a-half months for filing charge sheet against the 50-year-old journalist.

"I have to file charge sheet in the case in month or one and half months. It is direction of the Supreme Court that such cases be fast tracked. I am not doing anything new," the CM said.

The chief minister ruled out any political interference in the probe stating that investigating officer has been given a free hand.

"Even before filing the charge-sheet against him, the investigating officer will take their own call depending on the investigations," he said, adding that "the evidence fetched during preliminary investigation points out towards his involvement in the crime."

Parrikar said justice would be given to the victim girl as "she has shown the rarest of courage".

The CM said that political colour need not be given to the entire investigations because "the source of the complaint itself is Tejpal."

"Tejpal through his email has admitted to the crime. We were not in picture till he did that. I don't know the girl and even her name. How can one paint the investigation in political colour," the chief minister said.

Tarun Tejpal, who was arrested by Crime Branch for allegedly sexually assaulting a a women colleague in a lift at a hotel in Goa last month, is under six-days police custody which will end on Saturday.