TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Taking prompt action after completing preliminary inquiry in the sensational Tehelka sex scandal, Goa Police on Friday constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe serious charges of rape and molestation against the investigative magazine’s founder editor in chief Tarun Tejpal.
The police, which took suo moto cognizance of the case, registered an First Information Report (FIR) against the journalist thought to be in his 50s under sections 354-A and 376 (2) (k) of the Indian Penal Code.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had ordered preliminary inquiry into the attack after the incident came to the fore on Thursday.
Director General of Police Kishan Kumar told reporters that the team headed by Crime Branch inspector Sunita Sawant will be leaving for New Delhi on Saturday morning to interrogate Tejpal and subsequently record statement of the victim. He however declined to reveal whether the Tehelka proprietor and editor in chief (till he recused himself) would be arrested.
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Significantly, police did not rule out the possibility of Tejpal being placed under arrest
Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr O P Mishra, who has been assigned to supervise the investigation, had earlier said that they had received the CCTV footage from the hotel on Thursday evening. He said that the details of the incident can only be known after examining the entire footage.
Meanwhile, police have obtained from the seven star hotel in Bambolim the CCTV tapes of the relevant two days when the offence was allegedly committed at the three-day Think Fest organized by the magazine. “The police team has so far examined parts of the CCTV footage… the handover of all the tapes is yet to happen.” Significantly, police have told Herald that the there is no CCTV camera inside the lifts in the hotel.
As the investigation is underway, the department has written to Tehelka managing editor Shoma Choudhury to submit the email complaint made by the victim to the media house. It is learnt that Tehelka has refused to cooperate with the police for the reason that the junior colleague has not filed any complaint with the police.
“In serious matters, State has the power to take suo-motu cognizance alike in the present case. Tehelka ought to cooperate with the investigation, which if they fail to do so, we will take legal action against them,” said a police official.
Sources said the Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a thorough report from Goa police on the case.
The Goa State Commission of Women has meanwhile condemned the incident asking the police for a thorough inquiry. Speaking at a press conference, Chairperson Vidhya Tanawade said they have sought a report from the police. “We have sought a report from the DIG (O P Mishra) based on which the commission will begin an inquiry into the case,” she said. The commission has criticized the lenient attitude of the Tehelka management towards the incident. “Tejpal has stepped down from the position for six months after admitting to the crime. Tomorrow anyone will commit rape on a girl/woman and follow the same footsteps…This is a cognizable offence and Tejpal should be punished as per the law,” she said asking the concerned authorities to deal with the case strictly. The chairperson urged the victim to step forward for filing a police complaint against the accused even as it is coordinating with the National Commission for Women in this regard.
BOX
Section 376 (2) (k) of IPC – Being in a position of control or dominance over a woman, commits rape on such woman. Punishment awarded to a convict is seven years rigorous imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than seven years, but which may extend to imprisonment of life, and shall also be liable for fine.
Section 354A of IPC —deals with unwanted physical contact, advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures, harassment, or any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
