Tehelka case: Praful Patel backs Sibal's claim

Says "this poor girl has been victimised"

Coming to the defence of his cabinet colleague over BJP's allegation that Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal was being shielded by a UPA Minister, senior NCP leader Praful Patel today said the accusation should be corroborated with evidence.

"Kapil Sibal has said on TV he has no shares (in the firm which owns the magazine). So be it. If not, let someone prove he has," Patel said when asked for his reaction to the principal opposition's allegations against Law Minister Kapil Sibal.

Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Swaraj had tweeted yesterday, without naming Sibal that a "Union Cabinet Minister who is the founder and patron of Tehelka is shielding Tarun Tejpal."

Sibal denied owning a single share in the Tehelka magazine and dared Swaraj to name him as the"minister" she alleged was shielding Tejpal, who has been booked for rape.

To another question on Congress-BJP slugfest over the Tehelka gate, Patel said the real issue is that the victim should get justice.

"This poor girl has been victimised. She needs justice rather than Cong-BJP seeking justice with each other," Patel said.

"Its not a Congress-BJP slugfest," he said adding, "This poor girl has been victimised.