New Delhi:
Already battling a raging controversy, Tehelka took another hit on Thursday morning with the resignation of its managing editor Shoma Chaudhury.
Speaking to the media, Ms Chaudhury said, "I was between the devil and the deep sea. Hope you understand."
Ms Chaudhury's resignation comes after six journalists put in their papers, including the journalist who was allegedly sexually assaulted by the magazine's founder Tarun Tejpal, who has since stepped down as its Editor-in-Chief.
But with her resignation came fresh uncertainty over the magazine's fate.
Senior Journalist Neerja Chaudhary told NDTV, "For her to leave at this moment...yes it probably is an indication that it is the beginning of the end for Tehelka as an organisation."
What started out as a news portal in 1999 became a success story almost overnight with its Operation Westend, a sting operation that exposed the murky underbelly of defense deals and eventually led to the resignation of the then Defense Minister George Fernandes.
For over a decade, Tehelka has made headlines for its investigative stories and sting operations. It now faces its biggest challenge yet. And though some employees say they still believe in the brand, there are those who say, Tehelka will never be the same again.
Roving Editor for The Telegraph, Sankarshan Thakur, who also worked with Tehelka, feels its image has always been linked with that of its founder. "I'm not a great one for writing obituaries. I hope an institution does not die because of one man's act. I do sincerely hope that." However, he goes on to add, "Tarun and Tehelka are two sides of the same coin. It's almost a suicidal blow both have suffered. I hate to say this, but I don't see them recovering from this."
Tehelka's edition this week will hit the stands on Saturday. Doubtlessly, employees and admirers will be hoping and praying the magazine withstands and weathers the storm that has now threatened its survival.
Speaking to the media, Ms Chaudhury said, "I was between the devil and the deep sea. Hope you understand."
Ms Chaudhury's resignation comes after six journalists put in their papers, including the journalist who was allegedly sexually assaulted by the magazine's founder Tarun Tejpal, who has since stepped down as its Editor-in-Chief.
But with her resignation came fresh uncertainty over the magazine's fate.
Senior Journalist Neerja Chaudhary told NDTV, "For her to leave at this moment...yes it probably is an indication that it is the beginning of the end for Tehelka as an organisation."
What started out as a news portal in 1999 became a success story almost overnight with its Operation Westend, a sting operation that exposed the murky underbelly of defense deals and eventually led to the resignation of the then Defense Minister George Fernandes.
For over a decade, Tehelka has made headlines for its investigative stories and sting operations. It now faces its biggest challenge yet. And though some employees say they still believe in the brand, there are those who say, Tehelka will never be the same again.
Roving Editor for The Telegraph, Sankarshan Thakur, who also worked with Tehelka, feels its image has always been linked with that of its founder. "I'm not a great one for writing obituaries. I hope an institution does not die because of one man's act. I do sincerely hope that." However, he goes on to add, "Tarun and Tehelka are two sides of the same coin. It's almost a suicidal blow both have suffered. I hate to say this, but I don't see them recovering from this."
Tehelka's edition this week will hit the stands on Saturday. Doubtlessly, employees and admirers will be hoping and praying the magazine withstands and weathers the storm that has now threatened its survival.
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