Tejpal rape case: Victim cross-examined by defence for 2nd day

The woman who lodged a sexual assault case against Tehelka magazine founder Tarun Tejpal was cross-examined by the defence counsel for the second consecutive day in a Goa court on Tuesday. She appeared before the court for the first time on Monday for the trial, which was being held in-camera.

READ: Bombay HC Dismisses Tarun Tejpal’s Plea For Postponement Of Trial

Tarun Tejpal's trial

District Judge Shama Joshi in Mapusa town of North Goa was hearing the case against Tejpal lodged by his former colleague, who was cross-examined by the defence counsel on Tuesday. Tejpal was present during the trial. Later, Tejpal's lawyer Rajiv Gomes said the cross-examination will continue on Wednesday also.

READ: Tarun Tejpal Confronted On Sexual Assault Case Against Him, In Goa

A Supreme Court bench in August asked the Goa court to complete the trial in the case, preferably within six months, and refused Tejpal's plea to quash the First Information Report (FIR) filed against him. Tejpal allegedly sexually assaulted the complainant inside an elevator of a five-star hotel in Goa in 2013. He has denied the allegations levelled against him.

Sections under which Tejpal was booked

Tejpal was arrested on November 30, 2013 by the crime branch after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the court. He has been out on bail since May 2014. In September last year, the district court framed charges against Tejpal. He was booked under various Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections, including 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 350 (criminal force), 376 (rape) and 354(A) and (B) (sexually coloured remarks and use of criminal force on woman). He had earlier also moved the Bombay High Court, seeking a stay on framing of charges against him, but his petition was dismissed.

READ | Tarun Tejpal Sexual Assault Case: Full-day In-camera Hearing On Oct 21

READ | Tejpal Rape Case: Victim Cross-examined By Defence In Goa Court