Tehelka Case: Goa police detain Tarun Tejpal at Goa Airport

Under heavy security at the Goa airport, police have detained Tarun Tejpal. He is now being escorted to the Goa session court after he landed at the airport shortly.

Under heavy security at the Goa airport, police have detained Tarun Tejpal. He is now being escorted to court after he landed at the airport few minutes before.

Flight carrying Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal lands at Goa airport. He will head to court from the airport.

5:11 pm: Arguments underway in court

Tejpal’s legal team claims political interference in its arguments. Tejpal has ruffled feathers.

BJP workers protest against Tarun Tejpal outside Goa airport. Tejpal’s flight is about to land.

In a conversation recorded in a hidden camera, Tarun Tejpal accused media of ‘screaming and shouting all the time’. How was a complaint filed on the basis of an internal Tehelka e-mail, asks Tejpal while talking to a news channel’s reporter at the airport before flying to Goa. There are many issues embedded here, adds Tejpal.

Claiming that he is being targeted, Tejpal says the case is being monitored by some in Delhi on an hour-to-hour basis.

Tejpal’s lawyer says he fears some political hand behind the case, which has resulted in a tainted investigation. “My client is a man of great integrity and reputation, all we are asking for is time…he will face trial,” says the lawyer. Describing the atmosphere as ‘draconian’, Tejpal’s lawyer says his client is carrying the personal surety of Rs 30,000 and is on his way to Goa.

However, the judge says he is not concerned with political remarks but with crime. If necessary, arguments can be completed tomorrow, judge tells Tejpal’s lawyer.

Tarun Tejpal’s counsel, according to a newspaper, asks court if arguments can begin on Saturday at 10 am. Judge says they must begin today.

Tarun Tejpal’s matter just called out in Goa court. The magazine editor’s lawyer asks for 10 minutes to read response filed by prosecution. A news channel says during the bail plea hearing, the prosecution gave a written response to the defence in the case. The response stated that Tejpal’s custodial interrogation is required and the editor is trying to evade interrogation.

Tejpal boards IndiGo flight to Goa. Travelling in Economy Class, Tejpal’s seat number is 19. He is being accompanied by Goa Police officials on his way to Goa.

The magazine Tehelka blackmails people for their stories, says Bangaru Laxman. Notably, Tejpal shot into fame with a sting operation against then BJP president Bangaru Laxman in 2001. I don’t know why they chose me for the sting. I was hardly two-month-old as BJP president. May be, I was innocent, that is why, says Laxman. He adds that even today they (Congress) support Tejpal, look at the statements they are giving.

Commenting on allegations against Tejpal, Laxman asks what kind of courageous journalism is this? “He (Tejpal) should have gone to police on the first day itself.”

I had sent a fax to Goa police seeking 48-hour time. They rejected it. I sent another fax, saying I will join investigation, Tejpal tells a news agency.

Tarun Tejpal reach Indira Gandhi International Airport to board flight to Goa. Donning black suit, Tejpal appears for the first time after the sexual assault case was filed against him.

In a statement to reporters, Tejpal said: “I got summons. So I am going to Goa”.

The Tehelka editor looked relaxed, however his family appeared tensed. Tejpal’s flight will land in Goa at 5:05 pm.

Also Read: Tarun Tejpal to take afternoon flight to Goa

In a fresh statement, the woman journalist who has accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her, says what the Tehelka editor-in-chief did falls within the definition of rape.

“Deeply concerned, very disturbed by insinuations that complaint is part of pre-election conspiracy,” says woman journalist

Tarun Tejpal is fighting to protect wealth, influence and privilege, I am fighting for my integrity, adds the journalist.

Tarun Tejpal books Delhi-Goa IndiGo flight in the name of Tarujeet Tejpal and Minti Tejpal today.

Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal never planned to join the investigation in the sexual assault case against him, claimed a senior Goa police official.

The police official told a news agency on condition of anonymity that the investigating officer’s efforts to contact Tejpal ever since the receipt of a fax from him at 6.20 pm on Thursday were of no avail.

Also Read: Tarun Tejpal never planned to join probe: Goa Police officer

Tarun Tejpal’s lawyer says the North Goa District and Sessions Court has given his client interim relief on a personal bond. Showing respect for law, Tejpal has sent a letter to Goa police, promising cooperation, lawyer further reveals. No one is saying that he will not appear before police; he will do so when they need him, adds the lawyer.

Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal’s anticipatory bail petition hearing at the North Goa District and Sessions Court will take place at 2:30 pm. The court gives him interim relief till then.