We track the latest developments in the allegations of sexual harassment against Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal.

6.25 pm: Tejpal may be taken to hotel where incident occurred

CNN-IBN reported sources as saying that Tarun Tejpal may be taken to the hotel where the alleged sexual assault incident happened.

Earlier in the day, Tejpal underwent medical checks and a potency test. The results of the potency test came out positive.

Updates end for 1 December

1. 15 pm: Goa court remands Tarun Tejpal in police custody for 6 days

Tarun Tejpal has been remanded in police custody for six days by Goa court. Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Shama Joshi has passed the order for Tejpal's remand on police's plea.

1. 10 pm: No media trial of Tejpal please, says DUJ

The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) has urged the media to avoid "sensationalism" while covering the trial of Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal, who faces rape charges in a Goa court.

"The DUJ urges the media to curb its ‘over the top’ coverage of the issue, avoid sensationalism and desist from conducting a medial trial of Tejpal and (former Tehelka managing editor Shoma) Chaudhary," the DUJ said.

"Even in the heat of the moment one must not lose sight of the citizen's right to not answer questions raised by the media," it said in a statement.

The DUJ and its Gender and Ethnics Council also condemned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Jolly for a noisy protest held outside Shoma Chaudhary's house last week.

11. 45 am: Tarun Tejpal produced in court

A day after his arrest, Goa police has presented Tarun Tejpal in court.

Lawyers for Tejpal before entering court said police may ask for 14 days police custody and they will oppose it. Media has been stopped outside court.

11. 05 am: Goa police seek 14 day custody for Tejpal

Goa police have filed an FIR slapping charges of rape, custodial rape and outraging the modesty of a woman journalist of Tehelka. If convicted, Tejpal faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life sentence in jail. The prosecution is seeking a 14 day custody for Tejpal.

10.00 am: Tejpal spends night in jail with two murder accused

Tehelka magazine editor Tarun Tejpal spent the night at a police lock-up in Goa with two murder accused and an anti-social person, after he was arrested by the Crime Branch.

Tejpal, who was arrested in a sexual assault case, was referred for mandatory medical check-up at Goa Medical College near here at 12:30 midnight. He was taken to Panaji police lock-up at around 2 am, after his medical check-up.

Police sources said that Tejpal will share the lock-up with three more people including two accused of murder and one arrested under preventive action.

Updates end for 30 November, 2013

9.20 pm: Finally, Goa cops get hold of Tarun Tejpal

Goa Police has formally taken custody of Tarun Tejpal and will soon take the Tehelka founder for a medical check at the Goa Medical College up before they begin his interrogation.

However, Tejpal will not be kept at the crime branch office in Dona Paula for tonight as it does not have the facility of a lock up.

The Tehelka founder will be kept at the police headquarters as per reports on CNN-IBN.

8.36 pm: Arrest after seeing order: Goa DGP

Goa DGP Kishan Kumar told CNN-IBN, the police will arrest Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal after going through the order of the sessions court.

"We will take custody of Tejpal after seeing the order," he said.

8.00 pm: Goa Police likely to arrest Tejpal

After an inordinate delay of three-and-half hours, a sessions court in Goa today denied anticipatory bail to Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal in the sexual assault case.

The case itself is considered an unusual one because even as this copy is being updated the defence lawyers are pleading that the interrogation of Tejpal by the Goa Police should be done in front of his advocate. This itself is a request never heard of before in the country.

The court even decided to look into the merits of the case like examining when the complaint was lodged and if there was any political pressure on the police before coming to the verdict. The time taken for argument and to deliver the subsequent verdict is probably the longest one in the country for an anticipatory bail.

The Goa Police can now arrest Tejpal and immediately begin their custodial interrogation. The police have to produce him before an on-duty magistrate on Sunday within 24 hours of his arrest and they are likely to seek police remand of the accused.

Defence lawyer Geetha Luthra told the media outside the Goa sessions court that they are giving 100 percent cooperation to police.

"Tarun is already in the crime branch. He was there for a long time because we wanted people to know that we have cooperated at all times. We have already joined the crime branch's investigation. We are emphasising on one thing, when the trial will start, we will come to a conclusion but as of now we wanted to join the investigation and after the court's decision, we have done so," said Luthra.

Although the defence lawyers have been allowed to participate in the investigation by the court, they cannot be present throughout the session when police question the accused regarding the crime.

"Court has rejected the bail plea and rightly so because charge of rape was so serious against him. It was a litmus test for the criminal law amendment of 2013. Whatever happened to victim was falling under the definition of rape. This offence is chargeable as life imprisonment. He will be sent police lock up immediately," lawyer Abha Singh told CNN-IBN.

7.30 pm: Order on Tejpal's bail plea still not out

Over three hours have passed but the order on Tarun Tejpal's anticipatory bail plea is still awaited even as the judge was to come out with her verdict at 4.30 pm today.

Unconfirmed reports are doing the rounds that the judge is still typing her report or that she might choose to reserve her decision either for Sunday or Monday.

CNN-IBN, managing editor, Vinay Tewari expressed surprise at the inordinate delay as the order whatever it might be is unlikely to impact the case in any manner.

The Goa sessions court judge is examining the plea under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code.

4.35 pm: Tejpal reaches Goa crime branch with legal team

Tarun Tejpal has reached the Goa crime branch with his legal team. The order on Tejpal's bail plea is expected at any time now.

"I had always said we will give full cooperation with the case," Tejpal said to Times Now. "We got the summons yesterday, and we have reached here now...Whatever our lawyer says is right, we will do. I don't need to attend court, I was needed as part of the investigations, and that has been done yesterday, and will be done today as well."

The Goa sessions court will soon pronounce their order on Tejpal's anticpatory bail plea.

3.40 pm: Vijay Jolly questioned, says Sheila behind it

Meanwhile, BJP leader Vijay Jolly who was held for vandalising private property after he created a ruckus outside former managing editor Shoma Chaudhury's house in Delhi, said on Saturday that the Delhi Police were harassing him. "It is at the behest of the Congress government that I was questioned for such a long time. I have not committed such a serious crime," Jolly said.

3.30 pm: Reactions to Tejpal drama

Reactions to the continuing drama over Tarun Tejpal's bail plea and possible arrest by the Goa Police ranged from sympathy to suspicion.

While Medha Patkar, who was an attendee at the Think Fest in Goa this year, said the BJP is politicising the matter, BJP leader Kirti Azad jumped into the fray to ask why Tejpal is running from from the case. "It was Kapil Sibal who donated Rs 5 lakh to Tehelka and shares were issued in his name. WHy isn't there an investigation into this?" Azad asked.

12.35 pm: Man throws black cloth at Tejpal as he leaves court

With the order on the anticipatory bail plea to be pronounced only after 4.30 pm today, Tejpal left the courtroom accompanied by close associates and lawyers.

Before he could get into a waiting car, a man flung a black piece of cloth in his direction in an apparent gesture of protest. Police took the man away immediately.

12:28 pm Goa Sessions court will announce an order on Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal's bail plea only after 4:30 pm today.

Tejpal changed his version like a chameleon'

11.55 am: Tejpal may interfere, may intimidate victim

Citing a complaint filed in Delhi regarding Tejpal's attempt to allegedly intimidate the victim's family, the prosecution continued its lengthy arguments stating that the accused may interfere with the prosecution.

Prosecution lawyers also said the victim's father and Tejpal are friends and that the latter misused his position of trust with the girl.

Also, referring to Tejpal's contention that the Goa Police is biased, the prosecution said this cannot be concluded before a thorough police interrogation.

11.45 am: CCTV footage of hotel handed over

The prosecution has based its arguments on the fact that while Tejpal has been repeatedly changing his version of what transpired on the two evenings when the complainant alleged she was assaulted, her own account has remained unchanged.

In addition, the closed circuit television cameras' footage from the hotel was also handed over to the court.

Over the past three days, the accused has remained elusive, the prosecution said, adding that his whereabout were not revealed even by his wife. The police had to eventually issue summons to make him present himself and cooperate with the police.

11.25 am: Prosecution demands custody of Tejpal

The prosecution's arguments are still underway. As expected, their thrust has been to demand custodial interrogation of the accused.

Prosecution lawyers say Tejpal's version of the events of November 7 and November 8 in a five-star hotel in Goa has been repeatedly altered, while the complainant's account has remained unchanged, steadfast in her account.

10.50: Tejpal promises not to evade police. Will that be enough?

Defence counsel completes arguments. Says Tejpal will not visit Mumbai where the victim lives. He has also offered that his passport can be impounded and his mobile phone tracked to keep an eye on his whereabouts.

A desperate defence team has also offered to let his accounts be frozen.

Prosecution arguments are now starting. The Crime Branch is insisting on his custodial interrogation.

10.25: Tejpal arrives, listens to proceedings

Reporters in the Goa court where the bail plea is being heard said Tarun Tejpal did eventually make an appearance at his anticipatory bail plea hearing.

0.15 am: Cops want 14-day custody

The bail hearing resumes. Defence lawyers have launched into their final arguments seeking bail. Crime Branch seeks 14-day custody.

10.00 am: Goa police team arrives in court

A team of the Goa Police Crime Branch has arrived in court. The prosecution lawyers are expected to insist upon custodial interrogation of Tejpal, who has been accused of sexual assault and rape under the newly amended laws on sex crimes.

9.45 am: Will Tejpal attend court hearing? Maybe not

It appears that Tarun Tejpal has returned to his hotel after briefly making an appearance in the office of the Goa Police Crime Branch, where he was not summoned. He is not required to be present at his anticipatory bail hearing, he said. If his plea is rejected, could we see another cat and mouse game?

A smiling Tejpal told reporters that he is "not required to be present in court" but has "joined investigation by the Crime Branch" as was required of him.

He is now back in his hotel room, with his bail plea to be heard in the next ten minutes. Clearly, he is contending that he is available for interrogation without arrest -- but has not been questioned despite him visiting the Crime Branch office twice in two days.

9.20 am: Defence lawyers expected to tell court that Tejpal has been making himself available for questioning at the offices of the Crime Branch but has in fact not been interrogated at all. Sources told CNN-IBN that though Tejpal spent two hours in the Crime Branch office yesterday and also visited the office this morning before heading to court, police are keen to question him only after getting his custody.

No senior officials were present in the Crime Branch office this morning when he stopped there briefly.

9.12 am: Tarun Tejpal who arrived at the office of the Goa Crime Branch some time back told reporters he intends to cooperate with the probe. He reached the Crime Branch office of his own accord, without being summoned. He is now headed to court.

9.05 am: An hour from now, at 10 am, Tehelka founder-editor Tarun Tejpal's interim relief ends and proceedings will begin shortly thereafter on his bail hearing. Tejpal's lawyers will complete their arguments seeking bail for him while prosecution lawyers will seek immediate custody. The Crime Branch of the Goa Police wants custodial interrogation of Tejpal.

9.11 pm: Tejpal leaves Goa crime branch after 2 hour interrogation

After being interrogated for two hours at the Goa crime branch, Tarun Tejpal has now left for his hotel in Panjim, reports Times Now.

He was accompanied by his lawyers, his brother and his wife.

7.34 pm: Tejpal taken to Goa Crime Branch, says he will address media soon

Tarun Tejpal was taken to the Goa Crime Branch office. While he invaded all questions by the media he will speak to the media soon.

"I am joining the investigation, I will address the media soon," said Tejpal who was almost mobbed by a media contingent.

6.30 pm: Yes, Tejpal will join probe, says lawyer

A counsel for Tarun Tejpal has said that the former Tehelka editor is more than wiling to join the investigation, and said that he had even given the court the number of his local lawyer and said that he was available for comment.

"There has been no illegality, no criminality, I have said that this case will show none of the offences under 376, 354 (a) 372 (k) have been committed", the lawyer added.

"I have put forth the legal arguments that are part and parcel of bail"

5.50 pm: Interim relief for Tejpal as judge adjourns bail hearing

Tarun Tejpal's interim bail has been extended until tomorrow, because the Goa sessions court judge has adjourned the bail hearing.

The arguments in the matter are still continuing, Times Now reported.

The channel added that although Goa police had been detained, the police would have to let him go as they could not formally arrest him now. He would however have to be given some form of police protection, it added. He is however being questioned.

5.22 pm: Tejpal detained by Goa police

Tarun Tejpal has been detained by the Goa police at the airport. Tejpal landed at the Dabolim airport a few minutes ago and was arrested immediately. CNN-IBN reports that the Goa police clearly acted on the expiration of the 2.30pm deadline by a Goa court.

This means that the arguments underway in a Goa sessions court are irrelevant, as the Goa police can hold him for 24 hours. This is fairly unusual behavior for the police, the channel added.

It is unclear as to where Tejpal is being taken, although some reports indicated that he was being escorted to the Goa sessions court.

Meanwhile Tejpal's counsel inadvertently named the victim of the sexual assault case against the former Tehelka managing editor, greatly angering the judge, CNN-IBN reported.

5.18 pm: Tarun Tejpal lands in Goa, police wait on tarmac

The flight carrying Former Tehelka Editor-in-chief has landed in Goa, and police are waiting on the tarmac, blocking all the exits to ensure he does not get away. Despite reports that Tejpal's arrest is imminent, police officials have reportedly said that they have not received any orders for his arrest.

Meanwhile Tejpal's bail plea hearing is currently underway in a Goa sessions court. Police will escort him directly to the sessions court.

4.43 pm: Tejpal's lawyers use 'political hand' defence, judge is not impressed

Tejpal's lawyers are trying to convince a Goa judge that Tejpal is the victim of a political conspiracy. His lawyer had reportedly said that Tejpal has a lot of enemies, and he feared that there was a political hand in the sexual assault allegations.

The line of defence however is clearly not finding favour with the judge.

"I am concerned with the crime, not the political remarks that were made after. Did the young girl make the political remarks?" the judge asked Mr Tejpal's lawyers, according to a report by the NDTV news channel.

The victim herself had written a statement in which she had completely denied any political motivation behind her complaint. You can read the full text of her statement here.

Earlier, CNN-IBN reported that Tejpal's lawyers had told the court that he was on his way to Goa with the surety and was not seeking to run away from the hearing. He has also asked the court why Tejpal did not get 2-3 more days time, and argued that the entire case was in violaiton of the principle of natural justice.

4.26 pm: Tejpal bail hearing on in Goa

Former Tehelka Editor-in-Chief Tarun Tejpal's anticipatory bail plea is currently underway in a Goa court and his lawyer has told the court that he will be landing in the state soon. Tejpal's counsel also said that Tejpal is carrying the personal surety of Rs 30,000 and is on his way to Goa.

Meanwhile CNN-IBN reported that a group of BJP protestors were outside the airport waiting for Tejpal's flight to land.

3:30 pm: Goa police say they need Tejpal's custody

Tarun Tejpal is yet to land in Goa but he might just reach in time for his anticipatory bail hearing which is still to begin in the sessions court in Panjim.

CNN-IBN reports that the police has prepared its response to the court in which it has said that the custodial interrogation of Tejpal is necessary in this case and these are merely attempts by the editor to escape it.

Meanwhile reports from Goa said that several police personnel are waiting on the tarmac for Tejpal's flight to land.

1:45 pm: Willingly going to Goa, says Tejpal; Goa Police says they're set to arrest him

Speaking to IBN7 as he prepares to board a flight from Delhi to Goa, Tejpal has said that he is not running away from the law.

"I am willingly going to Goa to join the investigations," Tejpal has reportedly said.

Tejpal reportedly has a team of the Delhi police and Goa police accompanying him on this occasion to protect him and presumably also to ensure they don't lose sight of him again.

However, a Goa police official has told CNN-IBN that they will arrest Tejpal the moment he lands in Goa. That of course, subject to the session court's verdict which is going to start hearing Tejpal's anticipatory bail plea shortly.

12:50 pm: Tejpal sighted finally at Delhi airport

After a week of avoiding the media for a week, Tarun Tejpal was finally sighted at the New Delhi airport leaving for Goa.

Dressed in a black suit and accompanied by family members, Tejpal spoke briefly with the media before entering the airport.

Tejpal told reporters that he had been summoned to Goa by authorities and therefore he was taking a flight to the state.

He was seen hugging some family members who were accompanying him to Goa and then quickly walked off.

Watch the video here:

12:45 pm: Victim issues statement, says what happened to her was rape

The victim has issued a statement in which she has said that what took place with her was rape and said that she was fighting for nothing but her integrity, reports stated.

The woman journalist has issued a statement in which she has reportedly said that her case was a test case for the application of the new rape law.

"Suggestions that I am acting on someone else's behest are only the latest depressing indications that sections of our public discourse are unwilling to acknowledge that women are capable to making decisions about themselves for themselves," she said.

"I don't know if I am ready to see myself as a "rape victim", for my colleagues, friends, supporters and critics to see me thus. It is not the victim that categorizes crimes: it is the law. And in this case, the law is clear: what Mr. Tejpal did to me falls within the legal definition of rape," she said in the statement.

"Unlike Mr. Tejpal, who is fighting to protect his wealth, his influence and his privilege, I am fighting to preserve nothing except for my integrity and my right to assert that my body is my own and not the plaything of my employer. By filing my complaint, I have lost not just a job that I loved, but much-needed financial security and the independence of my salary. I have also opened myself to personal and slanderous attack. This will not be an easy battle," she said.

Read the full text of the statement

12:00 pm: Tejpal to surrender by 5 pm?

Times Now quoted sources as saying that the beleaguered editor-in-chief of Tehelka is set to surrender before the Goa Police at 5 pm today.

However, if the court rejects his bail application the Goa Police are unlikely to wait until 5 pm to take him into custody.

11:30 am: Tejpal gets interim relief till 2:30 pm

While he is reportedly on the way to the Goa, a sessions court in the state capital has granted the magazine's editor-in-chief time until 2:30 pm when it will continue hearing his plea for anticipatory bail.

The court has granted him interim relief on the submission of a personal bond. The court has also asked the Goa police to file its submission in the matter at 2:30 pm.

"It is not that Mr Tejpal is not going to face trial. Mr Tejpal has sent a letter to Goa police promising co-operation," Tejpal's lawyer told reporters outside the court.

"No one is saying that he will not appear before police. He will be present before the police when they need him," she said.

She promised that Tejpal would co-operate with law enforcement agencies.

10:00 am: Tejpal files for anticipatory bail in Goa sessions court

In a move that had been expected, Tarun Tejpal has filed for anticipatory bail in a Goa sessions court where he is seeking protection from arrest.

Tejpal has been untraceable since the scandal broke and despite rumours that he would be landing in Goa yesterday, did not appear before police authorities before the stipulated deadline of 3 pm yesterday.

8:20 am: Tejpal's wife refused to divulge his whereabouts

The police team that went to Tejpal's residence has said that his family was unwilling to co-operate with them.

Tejpal's wife has reportedly refused to divulge his whereabouts, reports PTI.

8:00 am: Goa Police will continue to hunt for Tejpal, will he seek bail today?

Whether Tarun Tejpal will approach a court seeking relief from arrest remains to be seen but the Goa Police has no intention of letting up in their efforts to arrest him.

CNN-IBN reported that the Goa Police would continue to look for the editor-in chief of the magazine at all possible locations given they still have a valid non-bailable warrant against him.

7:00 am: Delhi and Goa police teams raid Tejpal's residence in Delhi

Equipped with a non-bailable warrant, a team of the Goa Police accompanied by the Delhi police has raided the Delhi residence of Tehelka's editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal.

Not surprisingly, Tejpal was not present at home and was out. Other members of the family were being questioned by the teams to ascertain his whereabouts.

CNN-IBN reports that the police teams could continue carrying out raids at other locations where they suspect Tejpal may be living.

Goa Police team at Tarun Tejpal's residence pic.twitter.com/432fW3c9Ed — ANI (@ANI_news) November 29, 2013



End of updates for 28 November

10.00 pm: Shoma Chaudhury provided police protection

Former managing editor of Tehelka who had earlier in the day sought police protection after BJP MLA Vijay Jolly defaced her nameplate with black paint.

On what kind of security was extended to Chaudhury, a senior Delhi Police official said, "The security apparatus cannot be revealed. She would be provided adequate security to prevent recurrence of such an event."

Read more here.

9.50 pm: Goa court issues non-bailable warrant against Tejpal

A Goa court today has issued a non-bailable warrant against Tejpal as he failed to join the probe by 3 pm.

However, Tejpal's lawyer has said that Tejpal will join the probe tomorrow. Earlier Tejpal had sought time till Saturday to appear before the Goa police.

But, once the Goa police had a press conference where they announced an arrest warrant will be issued, Tejpal's lawyer came up with the above statement.

8.40 pm: Praful Patel backs Sibal's claims of no stakes in Tehelka

Coming to the defence of his cabinet colleague over BJP's allegation that Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal was being shielded by a UPA Minister, senior NCP leader Praful Patel today said the accusation should be corroborated with evidence.

"Kapil Sibal has said on TV he has no shares (in the firm which owns the magazine). So be it. If not, let someone prove he has," Patel said when asked for his reaction to the principal opposition's allegations against Law Minister Kapil Sibal.

Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Swaraj had tweeted yesterday, without naming Sibal that a "Union Cabinet Minister who is the founder and patron of Tehelka is shielding Tarun Tejpal."

Sibal denied owning a single share in the Tehelka magazine and dared Swaraj to name him as the"minister" she alleged was shielding Tejpal, who has been booked for rape.

To another question on Congress-BJP slugfest over the Tehelka gate, Patel said the real issue is that the victim should get justice.

"This poor girl has been victimised. She needs justice rather than Cong-BJP seeking justice with each other," Patel said.

"Its not a Congress-BJP slugfest," he said adding, "This poor girl has been victimised."

8.03 pm: I am ashamed of Tarun Tejpal, says Ram Jethmalani

Veteran lawyer and BJP member Ram Jethmalani today slammed Tarun Tejpal for the sexual assault incident that has made headline for the past one week.

"I am ashamed of Tarun Tejpal of what he has done. It is obvious as to what I have to say about this incident," Jethmalani said.

Jethmalani has been an old acquaintance of Tejpal and also holds one percent stake in Tehelka.

6.45 pm: Goa police only respond to us via media, says lawyer

The counsel for Tarun Tejpal said that the police has received their latest fax, in which the former Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka promised to join the investigation tomorrow.

The counsel told the Times Now channel that they had only got to know that the police had decided to reject Tejpal's plea for time until Saturday to present himself before the Goa police.

"I am sure we will get to know the decision of the Goa police when the DGP holds a press conference and tells the media", he snapped when asked about how the police had reacted.

6.20 pm: Tejpal to 'join investigation' tomorrow

Tehelka editor-in chief has written to the Goa police, promising to join investigations into the alleged incident of sexual assault by tomorrow.

The response by Tejpal comes barely an hour after Goa Police DIG OP Mishra said that the Investigating Officer (IO) into the case had decided not to accept Tejpal's official plea for more time to appear before the Goa police. He had been given an initial deadline of 3pm, but had sought more time till Saturday.

Mishra said that given the 'serious nature' of the case, the IO had decided not to accept it.

6.15 pm: Shoma Chaudhury seeks police protection after BJP workers protest outside her home

Former Managing editor of Tehelka, Shoma Chaudhury has asked for police protection after a group of BJP supporters led by MLA Vijay Jolly protested outside her house and vandalised the name board outside her residence.

The NCW has also asked the Delhi Police to file an FIR against those responsible for the attack.

5.45 pm: Stepped down because allegations were hurting Tehelka: Shoma Chaudhury

Shoma Chaudhury, who stepped down as the Managing Editor of Tehelka said that she had given her full cooperation to the National Women's Council, adding that what happened next would be up to the organisation.

Speaking to media outside the NCW office, Chaudhury added that in the three days since she had learned of the incident, she had managed to elicit an apology from Tejpal, made him step down and put together a panel to investigate the incident. She added that the constant questioning of her own principles and integrity had been very painful to her, which ultimately led her to resign as she felt the insinuations were harming the brand of Tehelka.

Chaudhury also said that the 'shrill' media coverage of the incident had 'made it very difficult to tell the truth'

5.08 pm: Non-bailable warrant issued against Tejpal

The Goa police has issued a non-bailable warrant against Tarun Tejpal after he failed to appear before it for probe in connection with sexual assault charges against him, reported Times Now.

The Goa police had given him time till 3 pm today to appear before them. Despite a request by him to extend the date of his appearance, the Goa police has refused to oblige, given the seriousness of the matter.

5.00 pm: Goa police doesn't accept Tejpal's plea for extension

The Goa Police today said that the investigative officer probing the sexual assault case against Tarun Tejpal hasn't been taken into account his plea to extend his time period for appearing before it for probe.

"Keeping in mind the seriousness of the case, the investigative officer has not accpeted Tejpal's request to extend his time period to appear before the Goa police for probe," said OP Mishra, DIG, Goa.

He said that without loss of time the Goa police will take the next logical legal step that the police is empowered to do.

However, citing the seriousness of the case, Mishra refused to divulge any detail.

4.50 pm: Ramesh Sharma appointed Executive Editor

Former Deputy Editor of Tehelka Ramesh Sharma has been appointed as the new Executive Editor, Tehelka tweeted from its official handle.

Sharma has been with the magazine since 2009 and is based in Delhi.

3:45 pm: Tejpal withdraws anticipatory bail plea

Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal has withdrawn his anticipatory bail plea in sexual assault case from Delhi High Court, reports PTI.

This comes a day ahead of the high court was expected to decide on the plea.

Tejpal had incidentally sought time till Saturday to appear before the Goa police presumably while he awaited the high court's verdict. This decision may have cleared the road for the Goa police to arrest him.

CNN-IBN reports that Tejpal might appeal to the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court since he is presently in Goa but it is not known if he has already done that.

3:15 pm: Shoma Chaudhury defends herself before NCW

Managing editor of Tehelka, Shoma Chaudhury, has clarified her statements made after the scandal broke before the National Commission for Women.

Chaudhury has reportedly justified her statements that she made after the controversy broke, the channel reported.

2.48 pm: Tejpal issues statement, says he will join probe on Saturday

Tehelka Editor-in-Chief Tarun Tejpal has issued an official statement, clarifying that he received the official summons from the Goa police, and confirming that he would join the probe on Saturday.

2:20 pm: Shoma Chaudhury reaches National Commission for Women office

The managing editor of Tehelka who resigned this morning has gone to the National Commission for Women office in Delhi.

Chaudhury has been under fire from the Commisison over her handling of the entire scandal at Tehelka but has chosen to remain silent on the issue so far.

Chaudhury had been issued a show cause notice by the commission over her initial comments on the issue and is likely to tender her reply to the body.

2:00 pm: BJP MLA vandalises Shoma Chaudhury's residential name plate, justifies it

BJP MLA Vijay Jolly after defacing the name plate of Shoma Chaudhury's residence also attempted to run at the editor when she was leaving her residence. He, however, justified all his actions claiming that it was a natural spill over of the people's anger.

"The anger of people was bound to spill over," Jolly told CNN-IBN.

We were there demonstrating there since morning, he said.

Jolly even continued to defend the entire demonstration saying it was a peaceful demonstration and said that they hadn't damaged her car which proved they were not guilty of vandalism.

You can see images from the protest here

And here's an image of the BJP MLA:

BJP leader Vijay Jolly defaces nameplate outside Shoma Chaudhury's house in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/5Vdd6yJun5 — ANI (@ANI_news) November 28, 2013

12:35 pm: Tejpal seeks time till Saturday to surrender

Tarun Tejpal has reportedly submitted a letter to the crime branch seeking more time to appear before the police and promising complete co-operation.

The letter, which was delivered to the crime branch of the Goa Police today, quotes the editor-in-chief of the magazine as saying that he was willing to co-operate with the police in the probe, reports Times Now.

Tejpal has sought time till Saturday to appear before the police, said the report.

The Delhi High court verdict on his bail plea is expected tomorrow and could provide the editor with some relief. However, since the court did not provide any interim relief, the police could arrest him even now.

11:55 am: Tejpal could be arrested at airport

Times Now reports that Tejpal may have been summoned and told to appear before the Goa Police but its likely that he will be arrested before he reaches the police station and could be detained at the airport itself.

However, CNN-IBN reported that Tejpal may not be questioned by the Goa Police today and may have to make an appearance before the investigating officer and little else. The main questioning of the editor could take place tomorrow or later, the report said.

11:45 am: Goa cops says CCTV footage shows woman leaving lift adjusting her clothes

The CCTV footage of the area outside the elevator, in which the alleged sexual assault took place, corroborates the victim’s narration, said an officer, who is part of the team investigating the footage, on the condition of anonymity.

“It is clear in the CCTV footage, dated November 7, outside the lift in Block 7 of the hotel that something went wrong in the lift,” the officer said.

“The footage initially shows Tejpal and the victim woman accompanying Hollywood actor Robert De Niro to the latter’s room. This was around 9 pm when Tejpal is seen entering the lift with his hands on the shoulders of the young journalist,” the officer said.

Read the complete report here

10.55 am: Tarun Tejpal reportedly on his way to Goa

Tehelka's editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal has reportedly left for Goa on an early morning flight, media reports have said. On Thursday, Goa Police issued summons to Tejpal asking that he appears before them by 3 pm.

Tejpal had earlier this week filed for anticipatory bail but the court refused to give him interim relief reserving its order till Friday.

10:30 am: BJP activists protest outside Shoma Chaudhury's residence

It seems even the resignation will offer no respite for Shoma Chaudhury any time soon.

A group of BJP activists were protesting outside her Delhi residence today though it isn't very clear what their demands are.

"We believe that Tarun Tejpal should have appeared before a police station and accepted that he was guilty and thats why we are protesting," one of the protesters said.

9:25 am: NCW member says Chaudhury may have resigned fearing arrest, but it won't help

Member of the National Commission for Women Nirmala Sawant Prabhavalkar says that the managing editor of Tehelka may have resigned merely to avoid being associated with the case and to avoid prosecution.

"There was no need for Shoma to have resigned.. She may have resigned now because she is fearing arrest. I am not very sure though," she told CNN-IBN.

By merely resigning she cannot dissociate herself from the case, she said.

09:15 am: Goa Police could seek non-bailable warrant against Tejpal

The Goa Police could seek a non-bailable warrant against Tehelka's editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in the event that he fails to appear before the investigating officer in the case, reports Times Now.

The Goa Police had given the editor until 3 pm to appear before the investigating officer. It has already recorded the statement of the victim in the case.

8:10 am: Shoma Chaudhury resigns as managing editor of Tehelka

According to reports, Managing editor of Tehelka, Shoma Chaudhury has tendered her resignation.

The managing editor reportedly wrote a letter to the management of the magazine and the staff announcing her resignation.

In her letter, Chaudhury had written that she did not want questions raised about her integrity affecting the magazine.

The resignation email was sent just before 6 am today and in it Chaudhury said that she believed she had acted in instant outrage and in solidarity with the journalist who had suffered sexual assault.

She justified her actions after receiving the complaint and said that "things have been misconstrued and have snowballed exponentially in the media, based on half-facts and selective leaks."

She admitted she could have done things differently but rejected the charges of a cover-up and said that she believed she had acted in consonance with with her feminist positions.

"I would have liked to continue at Tehelka to see us through this dark time, but I am no longer sure whether my presence is harming or helping Tehelka," she said.

Read the complete text of the email here

7:00 am: Tejpal has till 3 pm to appear before the Goa Police

Tarun Tejpal has till 3 pm today to appear before the Goa Police after the victim in the rape case recorded her statement with the police.

Goa DIG OP Mishra said that the officer in charge of the investigations has asked Tejpal to appear before him at 3 pm today.

"The summons has been conveyed to Tejpal through email and telephone," Mishra said.

The summons to Tejpal comes after the woman journalist lodged her statement with a magistrate in Goa.

The Delhi High Court is also set to decide on an anticipatory bail plea that has been filed by Tejpal and the decision could also decide whether the Goa Police arrests the magazine's editor-in-chief in the case.

Looks like it could be an eventful day for the beleaguered editor.

Updates end for Wednesday

7.07 pm: This is easily the worst moment of my life, Tejpal says in letter

Tarun Tejpal in his first email to the woman journalist from Tehelka said that it was a big mistake and the worst moment of his life.

The e-mail that Firspost has accessed says, "This is easily the worst moment of my life – something ostensibly playful gone so horribly wrong, damaging of all that I hold dear in life, from people to principles," Tejpal said apologising to the girl.

He further said, "I also want you to keep working at Tehelka as you always have, reporting to Shoma as you do. Both Tehelka and Shoma have never let you down. My punishment has already been upon me, and will probably last till my last day."

5.27 pm: Goa police summons Tejpal by 3 pm tomorrow

Goa DIG OP Mishra has said that the investigative officer has asked Tarun Tejpal to appear before him by tomorrow by 3 pm.

"The summon has been conveyed to Tejpal through email and telephone," Mishra said.

5.17 pm: Delhi HC reserves order on Tejpal's bail plea till 29 November

The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on Tarun Tejpal's bail plea till 29 November. However, he has no legal protection from arrest.

In such a situation Tejpal can approach the Supreme Court for interim protection.

The Goa police has also sought for the case to be shifted to Goa.

5. 01 pm: Tejpal seeks interim shield against arrest for 4 weeks

Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal has sought interim protection against arrest for a period of four weeks, PTI tweeted.

"The police cannot even make a case of outraging someone's modesty against me. State's suo motu complaint against me is politically motivated," Tejpal said during the bail hearing.

He also said that her fears that CCTV footage proving him innocent may be destroyed.

4.07 pm: Don't hold a single share in Tehelka, says Kapil Sibal

Kapil Sibal today slammed rumours that Tarun Tejpal's mother was his sister and said he did not own a single share in Tehelka

"Such lies should not be spread. It is an RSS patent to do such things. But I didn't know that the Opposition leader would say such a thing," he said.

Sibal refuted charges by the BJP saying, " I don't have a single share in Tehelka."

He also said that such a sensitive issue involving a young girl should not be politicised.

3.30 pm: I am not here as a BJP leader, but as CM, says Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today dismissed any political conspiracy in his government's suo-moto action against Tehelka founder and editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal.

Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Parrikar said his government was not under any influence whatsoever and he has also asked the police department not to buckle under pressure.

When asked what his opinion about senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj's comment on Congress trying to shield Tejpal, Parrikar said," Sushma is a senior leader... her view does not influence the functioning of my government."

On being asked whether he was taking extra interest in the case, Parrikar said he was not interested in holding the press conference but it was because of the media that he had to come out and make a statement.

"It's as if Tejpal has suddenly realised there is a BJP government in the state... Or in his section (Congress) someone may have advised him... There are many lawyers there," she said.

"My phone keeps getting jammed with calls and SMS from journalists.. that's why I am holding a press conference, else I'm not interested," he said.

2.45 pm: My lawyer friend backstabbed me, says Shoma Chaudhury

Charged with trying to hush-up the sexual assault charges leveled against her editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, managing editor of Tehelka Shoma Chaudhury has now reportedly accused a 'lawyer friend' of 'backstabbing' her.

According to a Hindustan Times report, Chaudhury had consulted her friend after a journalist alleged sexual assault against Tejpal. Her friend first advised her to get an unconditional apology from Tejpal, but later switched sides.

"Shoma told us that after the victim first lodged the complaint she (Shoma) consulted this lawyer who she considered a friend and who had advised the magazine previously on a number of issues. It was on the advice of the lawyer that Chaudhary said she had demanded an apology from Tarun,” a journalist present at a staff meeting, who did not want to be identified, told Hindustan Times, adding that Chaudhury then said that this particular friend later 'backstabbed' her and switched sides.

1.49 pm: Shoma Choudhury hits out at 'malicious campaign' against her

Tehelka Managing editor Shoma Chaudhury has made a public statement via Twitter, rejecting allegations that she was involved in publicly 'shaming' the woman journalist who has accused editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal of sexually assaulting her.

The short statement, tweeted by the official Tehelka Twitter handle in three parts read, " I strongly reject the allegations in the media that I am involved in any manner with any slander, intimidation or character assassination of the complainant journalist. This is a malicious campaign that has no basis in truth."

Chaudhury has been pilloried on social media for statements that have been construed as being less than supportive to the victim, and blindly loyal to Tejpal. She went on record as saying that Tejpal had 'another' version of events that deserved to be heard. She has also been questioned for seeking to 'cover' up the event instead of filing a police complaint upon receiving the victim's letter.

12.05 pm: Sushma says Congress shielding Tarun Tejpal

The BJP-Congress slugfest continues over the Tehelka scandal with senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj alleging that the Congress party was shielding Tejpal.

"Union Cabinet Minister who is the founder and patron of Tehelka is shielding Tarun Tejpal," she tweeted, refraining from naming the minister.

However, Swaraj could have been referring to Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal who has clarified that he has nothing to do with the publication.

"I don't have any stake in Tehelka," Sibal told the Indian Express.

Union Cabinet Minister who is the founder and patron of Tehlaka is shielding Tarun Tejpal. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwarajbjp) November 27, 2013

11.37 am: Woman journalist records statement before Magistrate

The woman journalist who has accused Tehelka founder and editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal of sexual assault has recorded her statement before a magistrate in Goa, CNN-IBN reported.

On Tuesday, a team of Goa Police were in Mumbai to record the woman's statement where she reportedly corroborated the details in the FIR filed by the police.

With her statement recorded, Tarun Tejpal's arrest is imminent.

Meanwhile, news reports have said that Tehelka's managing editor Shoma Chaudhury could also be named in the FIR for allegedly concealing evidence, Times Now reported.

10.40 am: Delhi HC defers Tejpal's bail plea hearing

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday deferred till 3.30 pm Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal's anticipatory bail plea hearing in a case of alleged sexual assault.

Tejpal had moved the court on Monday seeking anticipatory bail, but the matter was posted for hearing on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the court refused to grant interim relief to Tejpal and issued notice to the Goa Police in the case, posting the hearing for today (Wednesday).

In his petition, Tejpal had told the Delhi High Court that the 'victim' continued partying even after the incident, which called into question whether or not it really happened.

10.14 am: Not just Think fest, Tejpal to soon set up exclusive club Prufrock

The Think festival, organised every year by Tarun Tejpal’s company Thinkworks and the setting for the sexual assault allegations Tejpal now faces, was not the only intellectual talk-shop the former editor of Tehelka championed.

Before being murdered last year, liquor baron Ponty Chadha agreed to invest a large sum of money in Tejpal’s latest venture - Prufrock, an exclusive “private club” for “select urban Indians”.

A few months back, several prospective members of the club received invitations by email from Tejpal, promising celebrity chef-cooked meals, fine drinks, eminent personalities from across the world and a select group of “scrupulously monitored” members.

9.23 am: Tejpal case must be fast-tracked, says Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar wants the sexual assault case against Tehelka editor-in-chief to be fast-tracked. He also rejected Tarun Tejpal's claim that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was pressuring police to act against him.

"Such high profile cases should not be dragged on. They are basically a shocker to public faith," Parrikar said, suggesting that fast tracking the case was a possibility.

"I don't come under pressure from anyone. My only instruction to them (police) is to not get pressurized due to the position of the accused. Do it without fear and favour. That's all," Parrikar said. - IANS

8.15 am: Goa Police summon Tarun Tejpal

Goa Police have reportedly issued summons to Tehelka founder and editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal to be present before investigators and to cooperate with the probe.

On Tuesday, the police issued an alert to all airports and check posts in the country alerting them about Tejpal in case he attempts to flee the country.

A special team of Goa Police had also recorded the statement of the victim in Mumbai.

Updates for 26 November end

10.00 pm: Police complain against Tejpal's relative

The mother of the young woman journalist, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Tarun Tejpal, today filed a complaint with the Delhi police against the daughter of Tarun Tejpal alleging "intimidation" over the case.

Delhi Police sources said the mother of the journalist came to Pandav Nagar police station in East Delhi and filed a complaint against her stating that she had visited her residence on Tuesday morning, the Indian Express reports.

On Saturday, the victim had issued a statement saying she and her family were being subjected to pressure and intimidation at an "intensely traumatic" time to "protect" Tejpal.

PTI

7.15 pm: Gadkari rubbishes BJP's involvement in Tejpal incident

Former BJP president Nitin Gadkari today brushed aside claims by former Tehelka chief Tarun Tejpal that the party was involved in putting him into trouble due to his alleged involvement in a sexual assault case against a junior colleague in Goa.

"The incident happened in Goa and so obviously the Goa Police will register a case. That Goa is ruled by a BJP government is only incidental. Our government will follow all norms of law in handling the case," Gadkari said.

4.30 pm: Goa Police alert border checkposts, airports

Panaji, DIG, OP Mishra said, "We have alerted all border checkposts and airports to prevent the accused from making any attempt to escape the country."

The accused here is former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal.

4.05 pm: Victim is lying about Tehelka cover up, says Shoma

Tehelka's managing editor Shoma Chaudhury has now said that the woman journalist who has accused editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal of sexual assault is lying and her statement's cannot be a greater travesty of the truth.

Speaking to Times Now, Chaudhury said from the moment she received the email alleging sexual assault, her response to the victim has been that of immense concern.

"From the time she sent me the email my response to her has been one of immense concern and anxiety to assuage every request that she made...," she said, adding that it was a travesty that people are still accusing her of not standing up for her feminist principles.

On being asked why she didn't approach the police the moment the complaint was made, indicating a cover-up for Tejpal, Chaudhury said, "I didn't go to the cops because of my feminist principles... she (the victim) too didn't want to go... if she is now saying that she wanted to go, it is a lie... the correspondence will bring out the truth."

She further said that she will, in due course of time, make public a detailed response to her (victim's) resignation letter which will make people realise that what she has said is a lie.

"Tejpal stepping down was a global event.. how can anyone call it a cover-up or hushing up? It's sad that after all I have done it has come to a point where she and I stand opposite each other."

2.45 pm: Arrest Tejpal and Shoma, Goa Women's Commission tells police

Goa State Women's Commission on today demanded that Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal be arrested along with the magazine's Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhary for allegedly trying to abet the crime.

"We demand that Tejpal should be arrested immediately for sexually assaulting a woman in the (hotel) lift," GSWC Chairman Vidya Shet Tanavade told PTI today.

Chaudhary, who allegedly abetted the crime by trying to shield Tejpal, should also be booked and arrested, she said.

"Chaudhary knew about this crime much earlier. It was her duty to inform the police. She tried to hush up everything to protect Tejpal. It was unfair on her part to do so, especially she being a woman," Tanavade alleged.

12.58 pm: Goa Police record victim's statement

A team of Goa Police today formally recorded the statement of the woman journalist, who has alleged sexual assault by Tehelka founder and editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, in Mumbai.

Media reports suggest that the journalist may now have to travel to Goa to record her statement before a magistrate, as required by law.

12.10 pm: Tehelka's senior editor Rana Ayyub quits

Tehelka's senior editor Rana Ayyub has resigned from her post reportedly in protest over how the organisation and its managing editor Shoma Chaudhury have handled the sexual assault case.

Last week, Shougat Dasgupta, Ayesha Siddiqa, Jay Mazoomdaar and Revati Laul had resigned from the organisation.

11.35 am: No interim relief for Tejpal, Delhi HC to hear bail plea tomorrow

The Delhi High Court today refused to hear Tehelka founder and editor Tarun Tejpal's anticipatory bail petition postponing its hearing to Wednesday. The court also rejected Tejpal's plea seeking protection from arrest till the bail hearing comes up on Wednesday.

The court has also issued a notice to the Goa Police, who are currently investigating the case on a suo-moto basis.

Tejpal had on Monday filed a petition before the HC alleging that there was political conspiracy behind the allegations of sexual assault and that the woman journalist was lying as the incident was a 'light hearted banter'.

You can read the full text of his bail petition here.

11.20 am: More trouble for Tehelka as majority stakeholder likely to pull out

Industrialist Kanwar Deep “KD” Singh, who is also a Trinamool Congress MP, and the majority stakeholder in Tehelka through direct and indirect holdings, has decided to exit the venture completely.

According to a report in today’s Indian Express, Singh has confirmed that he has around 65 percent stake in Tehelka. “We are going to exit the venture completely. In the past one year, we have divested around 20 percent of it”, the newspaper quotes him as saying.

Read more here.

10.06 am: Still persuading people to be part of probe panel, says Tehelka

Hours after author and feminist Urvashi Butalia said she would not be a part of the sexual harassment committee, Tehelka has issued a statement saying they are still committed to having such a committee to investigate the matter and will try and persuade some to join the panel.

Below is a statement issued by Tehelka this morning:

Since last Thursday, Tehelka has requested several people to be a part of the Sexual Harrassment Enquiry Committee in Tehelka, including eminent people like Urvashi Butalia, Inakshi Ganguly, Sharmila Tagore, Justice Leela Seth, Prem Shankar Jha, Uma Chakravarti, Vrinda Grover, and several others.

Tehelka has also written to the complainant journalist asking her to suggest some names for the committee but she hasn't replied.

However, despite all our efforts, there is a strong sense amongst lawyers and activists that, given that a criminal enquiry by Goa Police was started on Thursday itself and a criminal case has now been filed, an Enquiry Committee would not have any legal standing.

Hence, many of the people Tehelka has approached wish to recuse themselves from the committee. We are trying to persuade them to reconsider and remain committed to having such a committee to investigate this matter.

9.28 am: 'Victim' partied through the night, says Tejpal

Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal has told the Delhi High Court that the 'victim' continued partying even after the incident, which called into question whether or not it really happened.

Tejpal's petition, filed by his lawyers Geeta Luthra and Pramod Dubey, further sought to question how the victim was at "every party and social event in the conference" and also stayed out late into the night.

The petition further states that the first incident, that occurred on the night of 7 November, was "light hearted banter". An obvious refute to the allegation made by the police in the FIR. It also states that the second meeting encounter between Tejpal and the girl took place over just a few seconds. Read the full text of his bail plea here.

8.55 am: Goa Police in Mumbai, to question Tejpal sexual assault victim

A team of Goa Police officials have arrived in Mumbai to record the statement of the woman journalist who has accused Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal of sexual assault.

The Police may then ask the woman to travel to Goa to record her statement again under a Magistrate.

Post this, the police are likely to travel back to New Delhi and question Tejpal.

7.55 am: Urvashi Butalia refuses to head sexual harassment committee

Renowned feminist and author Urvashi Butalia has refused to be a member of the formal complaints committee to probe the charges of sexual assault against Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal saying the panel was now redundant as the due process under law has already begun.

Last Thursday, Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury had said that a formal complaints committee had been constituted, in accordance to Vishaka guidelines.

The committee, she said, would be presided over by Urvashi Butalia, eminent feminist and publisher, to investigate the matter. The other members of the committee were yet to be announced.

Zubaan would like to clarify that our director Urvashi Butalia is not on the committee Tehelka was planning to set up in line with [...] — Zubaan Books (@ZubaanBooks) November 26, 2013

[...] the Vishakha guidelines, nor on any other committee related to the Tejpal case. On Friday the 22nd of November, [...] — Zubaan Books (@ZubaanBooks) November 26, 2013

[...] Urvashi wrote to @ShomaChaudhury saying any such committee that was planned was redundant now that due process under the law had begun — Zubaan Books (@ZubaanBooks) November 26, 2013

7.10 am: The organisation has failed me, victim tells Shoma Chaudhury

In a resignation letter to Tehelka's managing editor Shoma Chaudhury, the woman journalist who has accused Tarun Tejpal of sexual assault said she was deeply traumatised by the lack of support offered by Tehelka.

I am resigning from my position as ****** at Tehelka magazine, with immediate effect, because Tehelka’s Editor-in-Chief Tarun Tejpal sexually molested me on two occasions in November this year.

I am deeply traumatized by the lack of support offered by the organization. In such circumstances, it is untenable for me to continue to work for this organization.

In the public acknowledgement sent to the bureau, Mr Tejpal and you referred to his act of sexual violation as “an untoward incident”— this was not an attempt to “protect the institution” but in fact, an attempt to cover up what had really occurred—the act of sexual molestation, an admission of the facts that Mr Tejpal had “attempted sexual liaison” with me (to quote his email) on two occasions despite my “reluctance to receive such attention”.

Read more here.

Updates for 25 November end.

5.36 pm: Victim agrees to cooperate with Goa police probe

The female journalist who said that she had been sexually assaulted by Tehelka managing editor Tarun Tejpal has agreed to give a statement to the Goa police, CNN-IBN reported.

The victim is likely to be brought to Panjim tomorrow, the channel said, adding that her statement would be recorded in front of the magistrate in Panjim.

Meanwhile well known author and activist Arundhati Roy has also slammed Tejpal for vilifying the woman in subsequent statements, in a blog for the Outlook magazine.

She writes:

Outrageously, it is being suggested that Tarun is being 'framed' for political reasons-presumably by the Right-wing Hindutva brigade. So now a young woman who he very recently saw fit to employ, is not just a loose woman, but an agent of the fascists? This is Rape Number Two: the rape of the values and the politics that Tehelka claims it stands for, and an affront to those who work there and who have supported it in the past."

Read the whole blog here

1.50 pm: Woman journalist, who alleged sexual assault, resigns from Tehelka

The woman journalist who has accused Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal of sexual assault today resigned from Tehelka.

According to CNN-IBN, the journalist said "it was impossible to work at the organisation."

On Saturday, the journalist had said immediate family members had met her mother in New Delhi and said Tejpal was trying to intimidate her.

Meanwhile, the Goa Police will hold a press conference today at 5 pm.

1.30 pm: What can happen in 4 minutes, that too in a lift? asks Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has lashed out at Tehelka Editor Tarun Tejpal alleging that the claim that the act was consensual could not be true.

"Someone told me that this man (Tarun Tejpal) is saying that it is consensual. I wonder what he must have done within four minutes and that too in a lift," Parrikar reacted last evening addressing a function in south Goa.

Parrikar said that the police are doing their duty by having filed the FIR against Tejpal, whose conduct is "inhuman". "What he has done is inhuman," the chief minister said. - PTI

11.55 am: Arrest Shoma Chaudhury for protecting Tejpal, says Goa Women's Commission chief

Goa State Commission for Women Chairperson Vidya Shet Tanavade today said that the Goa Police should arrest Tehelka Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhury as she has 'protected Tejpal', news agency ANI reported.

On Saturday, Tanavade had said the commission had written to the deputy inspector general (DIG) of Goa Police for a full report on the incident so that the commission could conduct its own investigation. Based on its findings, the commission will make its recommendations, she had said.

Police must also arrest Shoma Chaudhary as she has protected Tejpal-Vidya Shet,Goa State Women Commission pic.twitter.com/ML9gygqEbv — ANI (@ANI_news) November 25, 2013

10.45 am: Delhi HC to hear Tejpal's bail plea on Tuesday

Editor-in-chief of Tehelka Tarun Tejpal on Monday moved the Delhi High Court seeking anticipatory bail in the suo-moto sexual assault case against him by the Goa Police.

A team of Goa Police will reportedly meet the Tehelka journalist at her Mumbai residence to record her statement in the case, post which they are likely to question Tejpal.

Media reports also said that Tejpal could move the Goa bench of the Bombay HC asking that the case be transferred out of the state.

On Saturday, a team of Goa Police quizzed Tehelka's Managing editor Shoma Chaudhury in New Delhi and collected all correspondence related to the case.

07:00 am: Colleagues corroborated victim's statment, Tejpal could be summoned later

A report in the Times of India states that the three journalists who the victim included in her email to the managing editor Shoma Chaudhury have corroborated her version before the Goa Police team.

"I corroborated the chain of events as already explained by the complainant in her letter to the Tehelka management. Evidently, we were not eyewitnesses to the actual incidents. But I have given the details of our conversation and other requirements to the police. I support the complainant, (who is) my friend and colleague completely," Tehelka photo editor Ishan Tankha was quoted as saying.

The police was also quoted in the report as saying that they would send a team to interview the victim in the case at her residence in Mumbai.

According to a report in the Hindu, the police plan to question Tejpal only after they have recorded the victim's statement in the case.

However, this decision to leave Tejpal alone hasn't gone down well with the National Commission for Women that wanted him to be questioned by the team from Goa.

"It should have arrested him immediately and taken him to Goa for custodial interrogation. I don’t understand why the Goa police did not do that," Nirmala Samant-Prabhavalkar from the NCW was quoted as saying in a DNA report.

End of updates for 25 November

7.00 pm: Have fully cooperated with police, says Shoma Choudhary

Tehelka Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhary, who was questioned for nine hours by a Goa Police team in connection of the alleged sexual assault case against Editor Tarun Tejpal, today said she "fully cooperated" with the police and hoped it will bring "clarity and justice" to the case.

"Yesterday, at the Tehelka office, the Goa Police took my deposition for about 9 hours, it was extremely courteous experience and I fully cooperated and showed every document that was relevant, every email exchange that was there between my colleagues, the management, it was shared, it was a good experience and I hope it helps bring clarity and justice to the entire case," Chaudhary said.

The three-member Goa Police today flew back after recording statements of three employees of the magazine who had been contacted by the victim to corroborate her version.

The police had questioned Chaudhary for around nine hours from 4:45 PM yesterday to around 2 AM at the magazine's office in posh Greater Kailash-II in South Delhi. The investigating team took into custody email exchanges among Chaudhary, the woman journalist and Tejpal, a CPU, besides several documents.

6.45 pm: Goa police might press additional charges against Tejpal

Goa Police today did not rule out the possibility of pressing additional charges against Tehelka Editor Tarun Tejpal, who has been booked on charge of raping a woman colleague in a five-star hotel in the state.

Deputy Inspector General of Police O P Mishra told reporters during a press conference at the police headquarters here that many things have emerged during the probe and if required, additional charges would be pressed against the accused.

"There are many things which emerged during the course of investigation. The investigation is a dynamic process and as soon as it is carried forward and things emerged, if additional charges are required, they will be added according to the development in the course of action," Mishra said.

He said the Crime Branch team that had visited Delhi, has examined Tehelka Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhury and also taken into possession relevant documents.

"They have also seized certain electronic items during the investigation," the DIG said. The police team, he said, has also "examined more people in the case."

"After carrying out the first round of questioning, the team has left Delhi. They are likely to reach Goa and carry out further investigation into the case," he added.

PTI

5.50 pm: Goa cops question 3 employees in Tehelka sexual assault case

The Goa police team probing the alleged sexual assault case against Tehelka Editor Tarun Tejpal returned today after questioning three employees of the magazine who had been contacted by the victim to corroborate her version as it seized a hard disc and documents.

Contrary to reports, the three-member police team, which had flown into Delhi from Panaji yesterday, left without questioning Tejpal.

The police had questioned Tehelka Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhury for around nine hours from 4:45 PM yesterday to around 2 am at the magazine's office in posh Greater Kailash-II in South Delhi.

The investigating team took into custody the e-mail exchanges among Chaudhury, the woman journalist and Tejpal, a CPU, besides several documents.

5.00 pm: Will take action against those sharing victim's mail: Goa DIG

Goa DIG OP Mishra has confirmed that his police team has not established contact with Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal as yet, but they have questioned other people related to the case.

Speaking to the media, Mishra said that they had received several statements and had also seized several electronic items deemed to be important to the case.

He also appealed to the media and public to stop sharing details of what had happened to the victim, including the emails she is believed to have written to Managing editor Shoma Chaudhury, with explicit details of what happened to her.

"Publishing details of the victims email have criminal implications as well. We have taken note, and will not hesitate to use legal action if violations take place", he said, adding that media organisations needed to be sensitive.

4.13 pm: Fully cooperated with Goa police, says Shoma Chaudhury

Tehelka Managing editor Shoma Chaudhury told CNN-IBN that she had fully cooperated with Goa police and shared all details with them. "I have shared every email, every communication and action taken in the case and I'll be happy to share anything else the police wants to know", she told the channel.

Choudhury was questioned by the Goa police for nine hours on Saturday. Three colleagues of the victim whom she confided were questioned today, and reports indicated that they had corroborated the victim's version of events.

"I know nothing about details of 3 Tehelka staffers who deposed today", Choudhary said. "Everyone involved must speak out fearlessly".

The police team from Goa has returned to Delhi after having questioned several people key to the case.

3.30 pm: NCW asks Mumbai police to provide security to the victim

According to IBN-Live, the National Commission for Women has written to the Mumbai Police asking them to provide security to the woman journalist who has accused Tarun Tejpal of sexually assaulting her.

The victim had yesterday release a public statement saying she feared intimidation from Tejpal's family and friends.

2.26 pm: Tehelka witnesses corroborate victim's version

Three colleagues of the woman journalist who claims she was assaulted by Tarun Tejpal, have reportedly corroborated the victim's version of events.

The police spoke to all three today, as they were considered crucial witnesses in the case. In her letter to Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury, the victim had said that she had told her three colleagues about what had transpired with Tejpal.

Meanwhile reports said that Choudhury, who was questioned for nine hours on Saturday, was likely to be called in for further questioning today. Tejpal may also be questioned.

The statements were recorded at at Goa Sadan in Delhi.

PTI quoted sources as saying that a three-member team of Goa police led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sammy Tavares, which arrived in Delhi on Saturday, had gone to the magazine's office and questioned Chaudhary and a couple of other employees.

Later, the team, which also includes Sunita Sawant who is the Investigating Officer in the case, also recorded the statements of Chaudhary and the other Tehelka employees questioned, they said.

12.55 pm: Tejpal to move court?

The latest development in the Tejpal sexual assault case is that Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal is contemplating moving court in a bid to get the probe transferred.

The Times Now television channel reported that Tejpal was planning to move courts and ask that the investigation into the matter be moved from the Goa police to an independent agency.

The channel also said that a writ petition was being prepared, questioning the impartiality of the probe if it were to be conducted in Goa.

Meanwhile other reports indicated that the Goa police were getting to set to file additional charges against Tejpal, including that of criminal intimidation.

10:20 am: Goa Police question victim's colleagues

The Goa Police team is presently questioning three witnesses in the case, reports Times Now.

The three witnesses are the three colleagues the victim had confided in following the incident and were copied in the emails she had written to managing editor Shoma Chaudhury.

9:00 am : Tejpal, victim could be questioned by Goa Police

The Goa Police team that questioned managing editor of Tehelka Shoma Chaudhury is likely to question her today as well.

However, after their questioning of Chaudhury they could call former editor-in chief Tarun Tejpal as well today.

According to reports, the team may also question the victim in this case.

CNN-IBN reported that the team will be questioning three witnesses in the case at Goa Sadan in Delhi today. However, the police hasn't disclosed who the three will be.

The Goa Police has already said that there was no CCTV camera inside the hotel in which the incident took place and will be relying on statements from witnesses.

End of updates for 23 November

8.25 pm: Hollywood legend Robert de Niro finds inadvertent mention in FIR

Firstpost has exclusive possession of the first information report (FIR) filed by the Crime Branch, which formally accuses Tehelka editor-in-chief of sexually assaulting a junior colleague in an elevator of Grand Hyatt, a five star resort located near the capital.

The Oscar award winning actor’s name now unwittingly features prominently all over the FIR filed by the Goa Police at 2 pm on Friday, 22 November.

The FIR contains exercepts from the woman journalist's letter to managing editor Shoma Chaudhury where de Niro's name features repeatedly. Read more here.

7.50 pm: Family member of Tejpal visited me, fear intimidation, says journalist

The woman journalist who has accused Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal of sexual assault has reportedly issued a statement saying one of Tejpal's immediate family members came to her mother's house in New Delhi to ask her who she was seeking legal help from and what she wanted as the result of the complaint.

Below is the full text of her statement:

"On the night of 22nd of November 2013, a member of Mr Tejpal's immediate family came to my mother's house in New Delhi, asking my mother to protect Mr Tejpal and demanded to know 1) who I was seeking legal help from and 2) what I "wanted" as the result of my complaint of sexual molestation by Mr Tejpal, that was made to the Tehelka management earlier this week.

This visit has placed tremendous emotional pressure on my family and I at an intensely traumatic time. I fear this may be the beginning of a period of further intimidation and harassment.

I call upon all persons connected to Mr Tejpal and his associates to refrain from approaching me or my family members."

6.55 pm: Will offer all cooperation to police officials, says Tejpal's lawyer

Former editor of Tehelka Tarun Tejpal's lawyer has reportedly said that the team of Goa Police which is currently in Delhi has not yet got in touch with him, adding that his client will offer all necessary cooperation to the investigating team.

Speaking to NDTV, Raian Karanjawala, Tejpal's lawyer, said, "We have not been contacted by the police so far. We will cooperate with the police... We will put out our version to the police."

6.25 pm: Shoma should have defended the victim from day one, she didn't, says Revati Laul

Revati Laul, a former Tehelka employee and a friend of the victim said the behaviour of Shoma Chaudhury clearly indicated that she was firmly on the side of Tarun Tejpal.

Speaking to CNN-IBN this evening, Laul questioned the need for Tarun to speak through Shoma in his apology to Tehelka staffers.

"Why should Tarun be speaking through Shoma? Why should the perpetrator be speaking through Shoma? Shoma should have come out in support of the victim from day one... she didn't... merely saying won't help."

On being asked if her friend would approach the police on her own, Laul said it was irrelevant now as the police has already taken suo-moto action in the case. "Many are asking why she doesn't come out and make a statement to the public... I think it is valid for her to make her first statement before the magistrate and not in public."

Laul further said this was a clear case of rape and lauded the victim for taking on Tehelka. "I believe it was completely non consensual... he (Tejpal) even said he was sorry and he takes complete responsibility for forcing himself on her... Tarun's act was much more that transgressing the editor-journalist relationship, it was rape."

4.55 pm: Goa Police at Tehelka office, to quiz officials

A joint team of Delhi and Goa Police have arrived at the Tehelka office in South Delhi and will question staff who were present during the ThinkFest.

The police may also seize electronic devices used during the festival including laptops, iPads, hard disk drives.

4.20 pm: Goa Police to question Tehelka staff

A team of Goa Police officials are likely to question Tehelka staff who were at the Think Fest event held in Goa earlier this month, media reports said.

Earlier today the Goa Police had met Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhury, who confirmed to reporters that all information and documents sought by the investigative agencies have been provided.

1.45 pm: Gave all info to Goa Police, says Shoma

Shoma Chaudhury, managing editor of Tehelka, was the first person that the Goa Police team met in Delhi. Soon after, Chaudhury told reporters that she has provided with all the information and documents that the police wanted. PTI quotes her:

"I have given all the information demanded by Goa Police and even talked to them regarding any more help needed from my side," Shoma Chaudhury said, refuting reports in the media that she had not been cooperative with investigators.

According to the DIG, the victim in question has also been intimated by the police tea m via email that she might be required to talk to the team. "We have already emailed her. And it is everyone's moral duty to assist in the probe," said the DIG. Other reports suggest that the victim has agreed to cooperate with the Goa Police and record her version of the incident.

1.08 pm: Hotel doesn't have CCTV camera footage, says DIG, Goa Police

In another shocking turn to the Tehelka sexual assault case, now the DIG of Goa Police has told the press that the elevator, inside which Tejpal allegedly accosted the victim, has no CCTV cameras. "The lobbies and aisles of the hotel are fitted with CCTV cameras. But there are no cameras inside the elevators," a reporter told CNN IBN.

11.28 am: Goa Police team reaches Delhi

A team from Goa Police who left for Delhi early today morning has reached the capital, reports CNN IBN. Sources claim that Tejpal will be questioned shortly. Meanwhile Delhi Police has assured full support and cooperation to the Goa police team. According to PTI, the team will meet Shoma Chaudhury first.

They will first record the the Managing Editor's statement and then collect emails of the victim in which she had complained about the alleged sexual assault by Tejpal.

With inputs from PTI

10.37 am: CCTV footage from inside elevator not available, says Goa Police

A source from Goa confirms meanwhile that the Goa police have said CCTV footage from the elevator where the assault is said to have taken place is not available.

No reason was given for the unavailability. Police confirmed that there is CCTV footage from outside the elevator which shows the victim moving out in a hurry.

9.35 am: 'I have violated long standing relationship'

According to more emails accessed by several houses, in another letter addressed to the victim Tejpal had admitted to have 'violated' her trust and apologized for breaching the boundaries of dignity. A report on The Indian Express states that in an email sent to the victim a day after she complained to managing editor Shoma Chaudhury, Tejpal aslo confessed that he had tried establishing sexual contact on two occasions - 7 November and 8 November - despite having understood that the girl did not reciprocate his intentions.

However, the victim, in reply wrote back saying, "he sexually molested me, on two separate occasions and that he violated my bodily integrity and trust".

When contacted by The Indian Express Tejpal said that he had written the mails because managing editor Shoma Chaudhury had insisted he issues an apology as demanded by the victim to close a 'contentious' issue. He added that he has a completely different version of the events which will be revealed in course of the probe.

Read the full report here.

9.00 am: Goa Police team leaves for Delhi

After they filed a suo motu FIR in the sexual assault case, a team from Goa Police left for Delhi today. Tarun Tejpal in his last public statement had offered his 'full cooperation' with the police and later in the day Tehelka's managing editor Shoma Chaudhury also said that they are willing and prepared to assist a probe.

Consequently, the team left today morning from Goa, reports CNN IBN.

End of updates from 22 November

10.20 pm: I am being framed, political forces behind it, says Tejpal

Former editor of Tehelka Tarun Tejpal on Friday said he was being framed by in the alleged sexual assault case and said the truth in the matter will come out soon.

In an emailed response to The Indian Express, Tejpal said: "It is a totally mendacious account of what happened, in its details, in its tonalities, in its very suggestion of non-consensus."

Tejpal further told the daily that he was getting "rock solid support from family, friends and most of my colleagues. They know the details and know how much is being dangerously falsified".

"It's been rough and debilitating and we'll claw our way back as the facts become clear," he said.

8.55 pm: Incident unfortunate, let law take its own course, says Tewari

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari today said the legal process relating to the allegation of sexual assault against Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal should be allowed to reach its logical conclusion.

"The alleged incident is unfortunate. There is a legal process which is playing itself out. It should be allowed to reach its logical conclusion. It is incumbent upon all concerned to cooperate with legal processes and procedures," Tewari

said.

Meanwhile, Law Minister Kapil Sibal said whatever has come out should be probed. "Whatever has come out should be probed," he said when asked to comment on the issue.

6.39 pm: Tejpal says he apologised because Shoma Chaudhry insisted

Tarun Tejpal has reportedly said that he only apologised "out of an attempt to preserve the girl's dignity and on "Shoma's adamantine feminist-principle insistence" that he keep correct form by apologising", according to The Hoot.

More on what Tejpal's version of events is at The Hoot.

6.23 pm: MHA seeks more details into Tejpal assault case

Minister of State for Home Affairs RPN Singh has just officially confirmed that the MHA has asked for more details on the Tejpal sexual assault case, saying that it was an 'extremely serious matter'.

Singh made the comment on his Twitter feed:

The Home Ministry has asked for all details of #Tehelka case from Goa govt. This is an extremely serious matter — RPN Singh (@SinghRPN) November 22, 2013

Earlier as well, the MHA had asked the Goa police for more information into the incident.

6.00 pm: Feel dirty for having participated in Think India, says Park Street rape survivor

5.45 pm: Shoma Chaudhry's conduct is shameful, says Tavleen Singh

Speaking to NDTV, Tavleen Singh has lashed out at Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury, saying that her statements made it seem as though it was Tarun Tejpal who was the victim, and not the girl who had been sexually assaulted.

Anti-corrution activist Kiran Bedi added that "Chaudhury had lost it", saying that it would have been better if she had said nothing at all.

5.40 pm: Tejpal is the culprit, says Goa CM Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that one thing was certain in the entire sexual assault case - that Tejpal was the culprit and the young girl was the victim.

Speaking to Times Now, Parrikar refused to comment on the police investigation, saying that it was up to the police to collect evidence to prosecute. He also cautioned media that only an FIR had been filed, adding that this was not the same thing as a chargesheet.

5.15 pm: Delhi police team reach Tarun Tejpal's residence

A team of officers from the Delhi police visited Tarun Tejpal's Delhi residence. The team had left after a few minutes, and had reportedly only said that they had come to deliver some papers to Tejpal.

Another officer said they had come to see that there were untoward incidents outside Tejpal's home.

However Times Now reported that the Goa police had formally asked the Delhi police for help in its investigation into the sexual assault case against the Tehelka editor. It is not yet known if the police visit is related to this request. It is likely that they were checking to see if Tejpal was still in the national capital.

A Goa police is reportedly en route to Delhi, in connection with a suo moto FIR it filed into the incident after perusing CCTV footage. The police have charged Tejpal with rape.

3.41 pm: Tehelka is legally bound to cooperate with police probe, says Goa DGP

The Goa police has constituted a special team to investigate the Tarun Tejpal sexual assault case, according to DGP Kishan Kumar.

Addressing a media conference, Kumar said that they had already written to Shoma Chaudhury, asking her to hand over the correspondence by the victim, adding that the management of Tehelka was legally bound to do so.

He added that he could speak about the arrest of Tejpal, saying that it was for the IO to conduct necessary procedures according to law.

3.10 pm: Don't call Tejpal a rapist, says Shoma Chaudhury

Meanwhile speaking to NDTV, Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury hit out at the fact that Tejpal was being accused of 'rape', saying that basic reporting guidelines dictated that the word 'alleged' should be used in describing the incident.

In particular she referred to BJP leader Arun Jaitley, saying that as an eminent lawyer and former law minister, he should have known better than to take such a strong position in calling the incident rape. She added that now that the case was no longer an institutional affair and was in the public domain, Tejpal had a right to provide his version of the story.

Chaudhury added that it was sad that she was being seen as acting against the victim, when she was actually very proud that she had spoken out. "That said however, in a public discourse my loyalty is to the truth, and my allegiance is to both sides", she said.

She added however that if the girl's statement was proven to be correct, she would call the incident rape or an attempt to rape.

2.50 pm: Goa police team leaves for Delhi to arrest Tejpal

A team of policemen from Goa has left for Delhi to arrest Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, according to a report by the NDTV news channel.

The news came even as the Goa police confirmed that it has filed an FIR in the case, and Tejpal broke his silence to say that he would fully cooperate with the probe.

The police action to file the FIR and their move to arrest Tejpal despite the lack of a complaint from the victim are done in accordance with more stringent powers granted to them to act against sexual assault under the new anti-rape provisions that were passed by Parliament.

2:40 pm: ABVP holds protest rally outside Tehelka office

A group of ABVP activists are holding a protest outside the Tehelka office.

Their demand? The immediate arrest of Tehelka's former editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal

2:20 pm: Parrikar says he has asked police to deal with case with an iron hand

"I have told the police to act as per the rule of law," Parrikar told Times Now.

Parrikar said that he had asked the police to deal with the matter with an 'iron hand' and said he ensure the police acted on crimes which affected society.

"It is important to crack down on crimes by so called VIPs which shake faith of common people," Parrikar said.

Tehelka cannot say it will not cooperate. The FIR has already been filed, he said.

2:00 pm: Tarun Tejpal issues statement, promises to cooperate

In his first response since the controversy began, Tehelka former editor in chief has issued a statement:

There have been serious allegations cast on me in this last week, and unfortunately as sometimes happens in life, the complete truth and the need to do the honorable thing can come into conflict. In this case this anguish was accentuated by the fact that very many intimate people, professional and personal, were involved.

For four days, as demanded by Shoma Chaudhury, the managing editor, and the recipient of the complaint, I have tried to do what was honorably demanded of me. On Tuesday I issued an apology for the alleged misconduct, as desired by the journalist through Shoma Chaudhury.

On Wednesday I stepped down from the editorship of Tehelka and removed myself from the office premises. On Thursday I learnt of the formation of the complaints committee.

I offer my fullest cooperation to the police and all other authorities, and look to presenting all the facts of this incident to it. I also urge the committee and the police to obtain, examine and release the cctv footage so that the accurate version of events stands clearly revealed.

Tarun J Tejpal

2:00 pm: DGP says case of rape filed against Tejpal

Speaking to Times Now, Goa DGP Kishan Kumar said that the case against Tarun Tejpal is under sections of law pertaining to rape and outraging the modesty of a woman.

1:58 pm: Will arrest Tejpal if he doesn't co-operate, says DGP

Goa Police DGP Kishan Kumar said that they had filed an FIR against the former editor-in-chief of the magazine and they would arrest Tejpal if he did not co-operate.

The seniormost official in Goa Police said that they would expect Tarun Tejpal to co-operate with the probe but if he didn't they could arrest him.

"We can't tell you further details of investigations," Kumar told CNN-IBN.

1:50 pm: Goa Police files case of attempt to rape against Tejpal

The Goa Police has registered an FIR against Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, reports CNN-IBN.

The police has registered a case under sections of law for attempting to rape a woman and outraging the modesty of a woman, the channel reported.

The Goa Police had already collected CCTV footage from the hotel in which the incident allegedly took place and had earlier been instructed by the National Commission for Women to file an FIR.

1. 11pm: Won't cooperate with Goa police unless victim files complaint, says Chaudhry

Even as the Goa police has said that it is investigating the CCTV footage from the hotel in which the incident of sexual assault concerning Tehelka managing editor Tarun Tejpal and a young woman journalist is believed to have taken place, Managing editor Shoma Chaudhry has said she will not cooperate with the probe.

Speaking to CNN-IBN earlier, Chaudhry said that there was no reason for her to cooperate with the probe if the victim herself had not made a complaint to the police.

"As a woman, as a feminist, I believe that she get to decide what to do next as this is her body", Chaudhry told the channnel.

Earlier DIG Panaji, OP Mishra said that a preliminary inquiry has begun, and confirmed that they had asked Shoma Chaudhary to give the statements and documents given to her by the victim.

Meanwhile Times Now reported that the Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a report from the Goa Home Department on the case.

12.09 pm: Tejpal sexual assault does not concern Tehelka, says Chaudhry

Speaking to CNN-IBN, Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhry has said that the incident did not impact Tehelka as an institution. He said that he acted as an individual, and after his decision to step down, the institution stood outside of him.

She refused to engage or accept with the premise that the incident was tantamount to an abuse of power on the part of Tejpal, and reacted angrily to suggestions that Tehelka was not holding itself to the same standard that it held everyone else accountable to.

She also claimed that Tehelka was being subjected to a trial by media, likening the situation to 'what had happened to the Talwar's' in the Aarushi case, prompting Rajdeep Sardesai to ask if Tehelka was projecting itself as the victim here.

Chaudhry, insisting that her remarks were being misinterpreted, kept reiterating that the panel would look at both 'versions' of the incident, and come to a conclusion that the organisation would abide by.

She added that it was the prerogative of the woman journalist concerned to decide whether or not to take the complaint of sexual assault further, saying that it was her body and it was her decision to go to the police or not.

11.59 am: Tehelka does not have double standards, insists Chaudhry

Directly confronted about whether or not Tehelka's response to the case of sexual assault was a case of double standards, Managing editor Shoma Chaudhry denied that this was the case.

Speaking to CNN-IBN, she said that in four days she had constituted an internal panel committee, had made Tejpal resign, and apologise.

11.49 am: Tejpal had a different version of events, says Shoma Chaudhry

Noting that she was 'devastated' by the account of a woman journalist who said she had been sexually assaulted by Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, Managing editor Shoma Chaudhry said Tejpal had a different version of what had happened.

Speaking to CNN-IBN, Chaudhry refused to divulge Tejpal's version of events, saying that she had already overridden it. She also denied that Tejpal stepping down was little more than a cover up.

She also defended a decision to constitute an internal probe, and said she had sought to redress the situation as quickly as possible. "I was driven by the sense by that she wanted an institutional response and I was working towards getting that", she said.

She also dismissed that the incident was a 'criminal case', saying that the woman journalist concerned had not filed a police complaint.

11.15 am: Goa police examining CCTV footage

The Goa police has said that it has received the CCTV footage from the hotel, in which the sexual assault of a female journalist by Tarun Tejpal took place and are examining it.

11.00 am: Tarun Tejpal is not running away, says Chaudhry

Tehelka Managing editor Shoma Chaudhry has said that Tarun Tejpal is not 'running away' from the sexual assault charges levelled against him, adding that he would fully cooperate with the internal panel to set up to investigate the incident.

Chaudhry also pleaded for 'more time to do the right thing', adding that ever since the letters had been leaked, she had been working in real time, and had not had a chance to do right by the victim. She also asked that the media wait for the findings of the committee.

She reiterated that her sole focus had been on the victim thus far, which had not let her 'do right' by the institution.

10.56 am: Shoma Chaudhry denies Tehelka 'delayed' action on sexual assault

Tehelka editor Shoma Chaudhry has dismissed allegations that there had been a delay in Tehelka addressing the charge of sexual assault directed at editor Tarun Tejpal, saying that within three days, she had made Tejpal apologise, that he had stepped down, and she had constituted a committee of inquiry.

Speaking to media outside the Tehelka office in New Delhi, Chaudhry added that she had no idea that the young journalist was 'disappointed' with Tehelka's response, saying that she had only heard as much through television channels. She added that the journalist concerned had only asked for an unconditional apology, which she had received. Chaudhry added that when the journalist had seen Tejpal's letter she had 'agreed that he seemed genuinely sorry'.

Chaudhry added that she had overridden Tarun Tejpal's contention that the incident between him and a female journalist had been consensual, and had confronted him angrily the moment she had received the complaint from the concerned female journalist that she had been sexually assaulted.

"Because my sole focus was on her, I sent out the letter to everyone, forgetting that it was the first time that this was going public. I was so focused on her, that I should have realised that it could have been leaked", she added. She also said that she didn't realise that the tone of Tejpal's letter could be construed as being vain, considering that it was a letter he had written to her.

10.00 am: NCW to file FIR with Goa police

The National Commission for Women have written to the Goa police and instructed them to file an FIR in connection with the Tarun Tejpal sexual assault case. The NCW has also expressed its shock at the manner in which the matter has been handled by the Tehelka management.

9:10 am: Goa police seek emails from Tehelka staffer

A report from Mayabhushan Nagvenkar in Goa states that the state police has already procured a copy of the victim’s emailed letter to Tehelka’s managing editor Shoma Chaudhury, as well as some other key intra-office communications.

As he reports the Congress and BJP are currently sparring over what action will be taken against the Tehelka editor-in-chief.

End of updates for November 21

9.45 pm: Tehelka constitutes sexual harassment complaint panel

The Tehelka administration has finally constituted a sexual harassment complaint panel to probe the charges of sexual assault against its editor in chief Tarun Tejpal.

The panel will be headed by noted women's rights activist Urvashi Butalia as well as other prominent leaders in the field.

Below is the full statement issued by Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhury:

In furtherance to Tehelka’s acceptance of Tarun Tejpal’s recusal from editorship of Tehelka on November 20th, which followed the official unconditional apology he had mailed to the journalist concerned on November 19th, Tehelka has now constituted a formal complaints committee, in accordance to Vishaka guidelines, to be presided over by Urvashi Butalia, eminent feminist and publisher, to investigate the matter. The other members of the committee will be announced shortly.

In addition to this, Tehelka will ensure setting up a formal complaints committee, according to section 4 of the Sexual Harassment of Women (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act, 2013), an institutional mechanism that was sorely missing in Tehelka.

7.30 pm: Editors Guild condemns incident, says there must be no cover up

Meanwhile, the Editor's Guild of India has condemned the incident and said no attempt must be made to cover up or play down the extremely serious incident.

Following is the full text of the statement:

The allegations of grave sexual assault made by a journalist of Tehelka against the magazine's editor Tarun Tejpal, are on the face of it shocking and shameful. Such incidents anywhere are condemnable in the strongest terms but the Guild is particularly saddened that they should engulf a media organisation. It is emphatically the philosophy of the Guild that the media that is in the business of holding public persons accountable should itself be held to the highest standards of conduct and decency. The conduct that has been alleged would constitute grave sexual assault at the very least taking advantage of the authority and power of the perpetrator within the media organisation. It also brings out vulnerability of young women journalists who need to be protected and free to pursue their careers without the fear of being subjected to such assaults.

There ought not to be any attempt to cover up or play down this extremely serious incident. Self-proclaimed atonement and recusal for a period are hardly the remedies for what the allegations show to be outright criminality. The full force of the law must be brought into its investigation and prosecution. Due regard must be paid to the sensitivity and privacy of the victim who has already been put to grievous suffering.

7.23 pm: Vice President Ansari puts Tejpal's withdraws Tejpal's name from Prasar Bharti board

The Vice President of India Hamid Ansari has decided to put on hold former Editor-in-chief of Tehelka Tarun Tejpal's name from the list of recommended journalists to be a part of the Prasar Bharti board.

The committee that recommends names includes the PCI chief Markandey Katju and a member of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry besides Ansari.

6.44 pm: Goa Police procures CCTV footage from hotel

Goa Police have confirmed to Times Now that they are in possession of CCTV footage from the hotel where the incident took place.

The police have also written to the Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhury asking for details of the ThinkFest even