Goa CM desires fast justice for Tejpal

Tejpal has claimed that the charge sheet filed against him was a result of political vendetta and a handiwork of communal forces

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Wednesday wished Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal gets fast justice in a rape case filed by a woman journalist.

"Faster the justice, the better it is for society," Parrikar told reporters at the State Secretariat following a cabinet meeting.

Asked for comments on the Tejpal rape case, in which the magazine editor was formally charged by the Goa crime branch Monday, the chief minister rejected allegations of a political vendetta against the former Tehelka boss.

Tejpal has claimed that the charge sheet filed against him was a result of political vendetta by the Goa government and a handiwork of communal forces.

He has been charged with sexual harassment, wrongful restraint, rape, taking advantage of his official position and committing rape in his custody.

His appeal for bail will be heard by the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court March 4.

The junior woman colleague has accused Tejpal of rape during a high-profile conference organised by Tejpal in Goa. The woman said Tejpal sexually assaulted her twice Nov 7 and 8.