Tejpal seeks in-camera hearing of bail plea

Tehelka’s former editor Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist, on Thursday filed an application before a local court demanding an in-camera hearing of his bail petition.

Mr. Tejpal’s lawyer moved the application for in-camera hearing before the district and sessions court when the case was on board for arguments on his bail plea. The court will announce its verdict on Friday and will subsequently hear his bail petition.

The 50-year-old former editor of Tehelka, accused of sexually assaulting a former junior woman colleague in a hotel here in early November, was arrested by Goa Police on November 30.

He has been booked under IPC sections including 354-A (sexual harassment, physical contact, advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures, or any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature), 376 (rape) and 376 (2)(k) (rape by a person of a woman in his custody taking advantage of his official position).

The journalist is currently lodged in Sada sub-jail.

A local court had on December 23 extended the judicial custody of Tejpal for 12 days after his initial custody expired.