Kathmandu— The Bombay High Court on Thursday convicted former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 sexual assault case against him. The court's decision overturned an earlier acquittal by the Goa Sessions Court, which had been challenged by the state as 'perverse'.

State Welcomes High Court Verdict

Senior Goa Police official Sunita Sawant welcomed the Bombay High Court's decision to convict Tejpal. Speaking to reporters outside the court, she stated that the trial court had failed to properly appreciate the evidence and that the acquittal was 'perverse'. The state had challenged the acquittal because it believed the order was unjustified given the evidence presented during the investigation.

Advocate General's Statement

Goa Advocate General Devidas Pangam also welcomed the High Court's decision, calling it a 'judgment based on justice and evidence'. He noted that the trial court had acquitted Tejpal despite clear evidence against him. The High Court's verdict has restored faith in justice for the survivor and brought solace to her after what was termed an erroneous acquittal by the trial court.

Details of the Case

The case pertains to allegations made by a female journalist who accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her inside a hotel elevator on November 7 and 8, 2013. He was arrested on November 30, 2013, on charges including rape, sexual harassment, and wrongful confinement. In May 2021, the Goa sessions court acquitted Tejpal of all charges, holding that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.