TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The Crime Branch (CB) has sent a second reminder to Hollywood actor Robert De Niro seeking his response in connection with the alleged sexual assault case filed against Tehelka’s founder editor Tarun Tejpal.
De Niro has been shooting in California in the Unites States of America (USA), his attorney has informed the CB.
“He is shooting in California. His reply is also crucial evidence as it will be corroborated with the sequence of events related to the video footage sourced from the hotel for investigation,” said a senior police officer. He has been requested to consider the notice as urgent as his reply will be a part of the probe and attached with the charge sheet copy to the Court.
Police claim that the footage with the investigative team, initially shows Tejpal along with his 28-year-old journalist colleague accompanying actor De Niro to his room. A portion of the video footage shows Tejpal pulling the victim inside the lift and she was seen coming out of the elevator adjusting her clothes and running down the steps with Tejpal following her, police claim.
De Niro, sources said, has been asked whether he had noticed the girl distressed or troubled during the Think Fest event in November 2013 and whether he was informed or had heard about the alleged rape on the woman.
Tejpal, 50, was arrested on November 30, 2013 under several sections of IPC. He is presently lodged at Sada sub-jail with his third extended judicial custody ending on February 10. The CB has nearly completed investigation to file a charge sheet against him before February 27.
Tejpal’s family is camping in Goa since his arrest even as a battery of lawyers is defending his case in court.
