Rape case filed against Tarun Tejpal

Goa Police today filed a case of rape and outraging of modesty against Tehelka Editor Tarun Tejpal, who has been accused by a woman journalist colleague of sexual assault during an event here about 10 days ago.

"An FIR has been filed for rape and outraging modesty (against Tejpal). This is one part of the process of investigation and law will take its course," DGP Kishan Kumar said after the Goa Police filed an FIR in the case.

The charges relate to section 376 (rape) and 344 (outraging modesty) of IPC, he said.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said police have complete authority to investigate the sexual assault case against Tejpal and they should not worry about the stature of the person involved.

"I have given complete authority to the police to investigate the case. I have told them don't worry whether the person is low profile or high profile. Stature does not count. What counts is the crime. You go by what is correct in law," the Chief Minister told the police.

Asked about Tehelka's position that they would not cooperate in the probe until the victim lodges a complaint, Parrikar said, "I don't think that is the legal position. Police will take appropriate action."

He said under a Supreme Court judgement police have a duty to file an FIR in accordance with law in cognisable offences.

The DGP said the crime branch could send a team of officials to Delhi for further investigation.

Parrikar had yesterday ordered a preliminary inquiry into the allegations by the girl that she was sexually abused by Tejpal during an event in Goa.

The alleged incident happened in a lift in a five star hotel in Goa about 10 days ago.

DIG O P Mishra said the CCTV footage was received from the hotel last evening and was preserved. The details of the incident can only be known after examining the footage, he said.

Police have already written to the Tehelka management, asking for the documents including email of the victim and the statement by Tejpal.