Chorus against Tejpal intensifies

• BJP wants Union Home Minister to file FIR against him
• Goa CM directs cops to register a preliminary inquiry
• NCW urges the victim to file FIR against the accused
• Suo moto action should be taken: Kiran Bedi

New Delhi: Tehelka Editor Tarun Tejpal, who shot into limelight after carrying out a sting operation against the then BJP President Bangaru Lakshman in 2001 for taking bribe on camera, now finds himself in the dock, on sexual assault charge.

His female journalist colleague has accused Tejpal of misconduct during the Tehelka Think Fest held on November 9 and 10 in Goa. Tejpal has recused himself from the editorship of Tehelka for six months and tendered an unconditional apology to her. The incident, which came to light on Wednesday, sent shockwaves in the media fraternity, with the BJP taking up the cudgels against Tejpal and not sparing the media for blacking out the “virtual rape” incident.

Interestingly, while the Congress kept silent, BJP cried hoarse and wanted the Union Home Minister to file an FIR and arrest Tejpal. Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parikkar announced that since the incident happened in his State, he had directed the police to register a preliminary inquiry. The Goa police wrote to Tehelka Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhary to provide all documents related to the incident.

National Commission for Women (NCW), on the other hand wanted the victim to file an FIR. NCW member, incharge of Goa, Shamina Shafiq wrote to Press Council Chairman Markandey Katju requesting him to intervene and examine whether Visakha guideline were followed in this matter or not. Social activist Kiran Bedi opined that suo-moto action should immediately be taken against Tejpal, even if the victim does not want to file an FIR. The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) is observing Black Day on Saturday to protest against the incident.

The BJP, in its fierce attack against Tehelka, wondered how Tejpal, on his own, could seek penance for six months and decide about the punishment for a criminal offence he has committed. Lashing out at Tejpal, BJP Spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi demanded Tarun Tejpal’s arrest after lodging of the FIR against him for sexually assaulting his colleague. She stated that though Tejpal has sought paid holiday, “Can atonement for a criminal act like this be granted?” Hitting out at the media for double-standards, she wondered why the media did not highlight the issue, as was done in the snooping incident where BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was alleged to be a culprit.

Tehelka Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhary was furious with media persons when questioned on the issue. She stated that she was in touch with the victim and addressing her concerns. On the lines of Supreme Court guideline in the Vishaka case, an internal committee is being set-up. Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who only on Tuesday recommended Tejpal’s name for the Prasar Bharati Board, withdrew the same, when the news of sexual assault came to light.