Now Reading: Bombay HC convicts Tejpal of sexual assault, overturns acquittal
-
01
Bombay HC convicts Tejpal of sexual assault, overturns acquittal
The Bombay High Court on Thursday convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal of sexually assaulting a junior colleague in a Goa hotel elevator in 2013, overturning a trial court acquittal. The HC…
The Story in Brief
The Bombay High Court on Thursday convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal of sexually assaulting a junior colleague in a Goa hotel elevator in 2013, overturning a trial court acquittal. The HC termed the 2021 trial court verdict 'perverse', saying it had fallen for the myth of the 'perfect victim' and subjected the survivor to humiliating questioning. The court relied on CCTV footage and apology letters written by Tejpal.
Tejpal's daughter Cara Tejpal on Saturday linked the conviction to Tehelka's investigative journalism, alleging he was targeted to silence him. She said she had examined the evidence for 13 years and believed her father was innocent. Tejpal has said he is a political victim and will appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Indian Opinion
Cara Tejpal's claim of a political frame-up ignores the Bombay HC's careful reliance on CCTV footage and the accused's own apology letters. The trial court's shaming of the survivor was a grave failure. The Supreme Court must now test the evidence without the fog of media trials. Will the apology letter stand as the clinching piece, or will the court find procedural flaws? That is the real question.
Sources (3): newindianexpress.com, indiatoday.in, siasat.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
