A day after rape accused former editor-in-chief of Tehelka charged that the Goa Government was pursuing ‘political vendetta’ against him, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar wished him speedy justice. Speaking to reporters at the State Secretariat following a Cabinet meeting, Parrikar said that quick justice was in everybody’s interest.
“Faster the justice, the better it is for society,” Parrikar said when specifically asked to respond to the recent developments in the case.Tejpal was formally charged by the Goa Police Crime Branch on Monday under the criminal law amendment act 2013 or the new rape law.
Parrikar also rejected allegations of carrying out ‘political vendetta’ against Tejpal. Tejpal has been charge sheeted under Sections 354, 354-A (sexual harassment), 341 and 342 (wrongful restrain), 376 (rape), 376(2)(f) and 376 (2)(k) (takes advantage of his official position and commits rape in his custody). His appeal for bail will be heard by the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court March 4.
A junior colleague has accused Tejpal of alleged rape during ThinkFest, a high-profile conference organised by Tehelka founder in Goa. The victim has claimed that Tejpal sexually assaulted her twice on Nov 7 and 8.