PANAJI
After the setback, Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal criticised the High Court’s decision to convict him in the 2013 sexual assault case, calling it the result of a “13-year political vendetta” and alleging that the government had targeted him over his investigative journalism.
Speaking shortly after the High Court overturned his acquittal by the trial court, a visibly upset Tejpal maintained that he had been falsely implicated and said he would challenge the conviction before the Supreme Court. “Everybody who has been accused by this government deserves a fair hearing. Those who are with this government get acquitted, but those who speak against it or work against it are pursued. I have been trapped in this case,” Tejpal said as he left the High Court premises.
“The government has been targeting both Tehelka and me. It is a case of political vendetta. I was acquitted after a trial that lasted seven and a half years,” he added.
He alleged that Tehelka’s investigative journalism had threatened powerful interests, leading to the criminal case against him. “Tehelka practised journalism that exposed the government and caused setbacks to vested and political interests. They stopped Tehelka, my journalism and even the publication of my books,” he said.
Maintaining his innocence, Tejpal said he had “100 per cent” decided to approach the Supreme Court. “I have full faith in the judiciary and believe the truth will prevail,” he said, while expressing disappointment with the High Court’s findings and arguing that the evidence had not been properly appreciated.
The Goa government, however, described the judgment as a landmark victory for the survivor and the criminal justice system. CM Pramod Sawant welcomed the verdict, saying it vindicated the efforts of the Goa Government, Goa Police and the Directorate of Prosecution. Advocate General Devidas Pangam said the High Court had corrected a deeply flawed trial court judgment. SP Sunita Sawant, who led the investigation until the chargesheet was filed, described the judgment as significant not only for the survivor but also for women across workplaces.
Reacting to Tejpal’s announcement that he would challenge the verdict, Pangam said Goa government was fully prepared to defend the conviction in the “expected” appeal.
