New Delhi:
Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal, accused of raping a younger colleague in Goa earlier this month, faxed a letter to the Goa Police yesterday evening saying he will make himself available for interrogation after lunch today. (
Read full text of Tarun Tejpal's letter to the police)
The Goa Police has meanwhile moved a sessions court seeking a non-bailable arrest warrant against Mr Tejpal. An order is expected this morning. The police have said Mr Tejpal's arrest is imminent as he failed to meet a 3 pm deadline set by them to appear for interrogation yesterday.
Mr Tejpal's lawyers will also be in a Goa court today morning to try and get bail and pre-empt his arrest. He withdrew his request for bail from the Delhi High Court yesterday to be able to seek bail in Goa.
The senior journalist had earlier told the Goa Police that he would meet them on Saturday afternoon. He said that the police order asking him to travel to Goa was received late at night. "Since I am not a resident of Goa, I require a little time to appear before you," he said.
The Goa Police rejected his request for an extension of deadline.
Mr Tejpal has denied the charges of rape against him, and said that the encounter that's being described as rape was "light hearted bantering." (
Only "light-hearted bantering" not sexual assault: Tarun Tejpal)
The young journalist who has accused him of sexual assault has ardently challenged his version of events, and accused Tehelka and her boss, Shoma Chaudhury, of trying to engineer a cover-up. She quit Tehelka earlier this week. (
Tehelka journalist who accused founder of sexual assault resigns)
Ms Chaudhury also resigned yesterday from Tehelka after days of being pelted with criticism for her handling of the reporter's complaint, sent to her via an email that was leaked. (
Full text: resignation letter sent by woman journalist to Tehelka)
That email was used by the Goa Police to file an FIR against Mr Tejpal.