New Delhi:
Tarun Tejpal, Tehelka's founder who has been accused of raping a younger colleague by the Goa police, has been summoned for questioning, say sources.
The young journalist who alleged that she had been sexually assaulted by the editor at a hotel in Goa, has recorded her statement before a magistrate, a legal requirement for a trial.
The Goa police has issued immigration check-post alerts across the country to prevent Mr Tejpal from leaving the country.
The Goa police are also expected to oppose Mr Tejpal's plea seeking protection from arrest, which comes up before the Delhi High Court today. The police say the editor has "already tried to influence the witness", which is a strong reason for refusing anticipatory bail.
The family of the journalist on Tuesday
complained to the Delhi Police about intimidation and harassment by Mr Tejpal.
Mr Tejpal, 50, said in his petition to the court that the woman's complaint is false; the alleged incident was "a meeting" with "only light-hearted bantering." He also said the woman "was at every party and social event through the conference and stayed out late into the night." (
read full text of Mr Tejpal's petition)
Mr Tejpal also alleged that the investigation against him is the result of "the wrath of the BJP leaders" which is avenging earlier Tehelka exposes on some of its top leaders.
Mr Tejpal's latest version sharply contradicts his email to the woman last week, in which he wrote, "I apologize unconditionally for the shameful lapse of judgment that led me to attempt a sexual liaison with you on two occasions...despite your clear reluctance."
The journalist quit Tehelka on Monday, accusing the magazine's managing editor Shoma Chaudhury of trying to cover up the alleged assault.