Zee Media Bureau
11:00 pm: Tarun Tejpal meets legal team ahead of court hearing
Tarun Tejpal meets his legal team ahead of the court hearing on Saturday. He also met with his lawyer. As per news reports, the former Tehelka Editor met with his legal team at a 5 star hotel in Goa. The meeting is right now underway. Reportedly the entire team is working to chalk out a legal strategy for tomorrow`s hearing.
9:30 pm: Crime Branch of Goa police grills Tarun Tejpal for 2 hours
Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexual assault of a woman colleague, appeared before the Crime Branch of Goa police for questioning in connection with the case filed against him.
Shortly after his arrival from Delhi, Tejpal, accompanied by his family members and lawyers, drove to Dona Paula to appear before the police which had called him for questioning.
Earlier, Tejpal got protection against arrest from the Sessions judge till tomorrow morning.
The questioning lasted 90 minutes after which Tejpal left the Crime Branch office.
7:43 pm: BJP settling scores with Tejpal: Medha Patkar
The BJP is settling scores with Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman colleague, for the magazine`s earlier sting operations against the party, social activist Medha Patekar said.
"It is obvious that BJP will use it to settle scores as they once have been at the receiving end of sting operations by Tehelka," Patkar added.
"This should not be politicised. If he has committed any offence and it is proved in court then law will take its own course," she said.
Patkar said that she did not feel that the police investigations into the incident were politically motivated.
7:30 pm: Tarun Tejpal reaches Crime Branch for questioning
After reaching the Goa Crime Branch, Tejpal evaded questions which were being asked by the media.
However, in a brief statement while entering the Crime Branch, Tejpal said, "I am joining the investigation."
Goa police is at the moment questioning Tejpal in the alleged sexual assault case.
6:30 pm: Lawyers assure Tejpal won`t leave Goa
While assuring that Tarun Tejpal will not leave Goa till the hearing is over, his lawyer said, "There is no criminality in the case against Tejpal. He will not leave Goa till the hearing in the alleged sexual assault case is over."
6:15 pm: `Why was Goa police issuing summons to Tejpal and not arresting him `
"Why was Goa Police issuing summons to Tejpal and not arresting him? After landing also they are escorting him," said Abha Singh, senior advocate.
5:58 pm: Tarun Tejpal`s bail hearing adjourned till Saturday
Arguments for anticipatory bail for Tarun Tejpal adjourned till 10 am tomorrow.
"Tarun Tejpal`s interim bail has been extended till tomorrow," said Ravi Sharma, Tejpal`s counsel.
5:31 pm: Tejpal detained by police, being escorted to court
Police detained Tarun Tejpal as he landed at the Goa airport amidst heavy security. He is now being escorted to the Goa session court. Black flag demonstrators break police barricade and jump in front of the police jeep with Tejpal in it.
5:17 pm: Tarun Tejpal lands in Goa
Flight carrying Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal lands at Goa airport. He will head to court from the airport.
5:11 pm: Arguments underway in court
Tejpal`s legal team claims political interference in its arguments. Tejpal has ruffled feathers.
4:50 pm: Protests outside Goa airport
BJP workers protest against Tarun Tejpal outside Goa airport. Tejpal`s flight is about to land.
4:40 pm: Tejpal accuses media of ‘screaming and shouting`
In a conversation recorded in a hidden camera, Tarun Tejpal accused media of ‘screaming and shouting all the time’. How was a complaint filed on the basis of an internal Tehelka e-mail, asks Tejpal while talking to a news channel`s reporter at the airport before flying to Goa. There are many issues embedded here, adds Tejpal.
Claiming that he is being targeted, Tejpal says the case is being monitored by some in Delhi on an hour-to-hour basis.
4:35 pm: Hearing begins in Goa court
Tejpal`s lawyer says he fears some political hand behind the case, which has resulted in a tainted investigation. "My client is a man of great integrity and reputation, all we are asking for is time...he will face trial," says the lawyer. Describing the atmosphere as `draconian`, Tejpal`s lawyer says his client is carrying the personal surety of Rs 30,000 and is on his way to Goa.
However, the judge says he is not concerned with political remarks but with crime. If necessary, arguments can be completed tomorrow, judge tells Tejpal`s lawyer.
4:30 pm: Tarun Tejpal`s counsel seeks time
Tarun Tejpal`s counsel, according to a newspaper, asks court if arguments can begin on Saturday at 10 am. Judge says they must begin today.
3:20 pm: Tejpal`s matter called out in Goa court
Tarun Tejpal`s matter just called out in Goa court. The magazine editor`s lawyer asks for 10 minutes to read response filed by prosecution. A news channel says during the bail plea hearing, the prosecution gave a written response to the defence in the case. The response stated that Tejpal`s custodial interrogation is required and the editor is trying to evade interrogation.
2:25 pm: Tejpal boards Goa-bound flight
Tejpal boards IndiGo flight to Goa. Travelling in Economy Class, Tejpal`s seat number is 19. He is being accompanied by Goa Police officials on his way to Goa.
2:19 pm: Tehelka blackmails people, says Bangaru Laxman
The magazine Tehelka blackmails people for their stories, says Bangaru Laxman. Notably, Tejpal shot into fame with a sting operation against then BJP president Bangaru Laxman in 2001. I don`t know why they chose me for the sting. I was hardly two-month-old as BJP president. May be, I was innocent, that is why, says Laxman. He adds that even today they (Congress) support Tejpal, look at the statements they are giving.
Commenting on allegations against Tejpal, Laxman asks what kind of courageous journalism is this? "He (Tejpal) should have gone to police on the first day itself."
2:10 pm: Tejpal on Goa police probe
I had sent a fax to Goa police seeking 48-hour time. They rejected it. I sent another fax, saying I will join investigation, Tejpal tells a news agency.
1:03 pm: Tarun Tejpal at Delhi airport
Tarun Tejpal reach Indira Gandhi International Airport to board flight to Goa. Donning black suit, Tejpal appears for the first time after the sexual assault case was filed against him.
In a statement to reporters, Tejpal said: "I got summons. So I am going to Goa".
The Tehelka editor looked relaxed, however his family appeared tensed. Tejpal`s flight will land in Goa at 5:05 pm.
Also Read: Tarun Tejpal to take afternoon flight to Goa
12:54 pm: Victim issues statement
In a fresh statement, the woman journalist who has accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her, says what the Tehelka editor-in-chief did falls within the definition of rape.
"Deeply concerned, very disturbed by insinuations that complaint is part of pre-election conspiracy," says woman journalist
Tarun Tejpal is fighting to protect wealth, influence and privilege, I am fighting for my integrity, adds the journalist.
12:45 pm: Tejpal to travel to Goa
Tarun Tejpal books Delhi-Goa IndiGo flight in the name of Tarujeet Tejpal and Minti Tejpal today.
11:38 am: `Tejpal never planned to join probe
Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal never planned to join the investigation in the sexual assault case against him, claimed a senior Goa police official.
The police official told a news agency on condition of anonymity that the investigating officer`s efforts to contact Tejpal ever since the receipt of a fax from him at 6.20 pm on Thursday were of no avail.
Also Read: Tarun Tejpal never planned to join probe: Goa Police officer
11:30 am: Tejpal will cooperate with police, says lawyer
Tarun Tejpal`s lawyer says the North Goa District and Sessions Court has given his client interim relief on a personal bond. Showing respect for law, Tejpal has sent a letter to Goa police, promising cooperation, lawyer further reveals. No one is saying that he will not appear before police; he will do so when they need him, adds the lawyer.
11:18 am: Tejpal`s bail hearing at 2:30 pm
Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal`s anticipatory bail petition hearing at the North Goa District and Sessions Court will take place at 2:30 pm. The court gives him interim relief till then.
Also Read: Tehelka case: Tarun Tejpal granted interim bail till 2.30 pm
10:46 am: Shoma Choudhary`s conduct appalling, says Suchitra Krishnamoorthi
Shoma Choudharys conduct in this matter appalling.Women are horrified-if we cant protect r children who will? @kmanojmenon @ShomaChaudhury
— Suchitra (@suchitrak) November 29, 2013
10:43 am: Who is giving legal advice to Tejpal, asks Kiran Bedi ?
Who is giving legal advice to #Tejpal ?He needs to be told that he cannot escape the law any longer! By hiding he is hurting himself more!
— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) November 29, 2013
10:40 am: `No need to politicise Tejpal`s issue`
Confirming that the MHA has asked for all the information from Goa Police, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs RPN Singh says law and order is a state subject and there was no need to politicise the issue. He also says any crime committed against women, whether it is snooping, stalking or any other crime, strict action should be taken.
Also Read: Stalking, snooping on women to be dealt strictly: RPN Singh
10:30 am: MHA seeks report from Goa govt
The Ministry of Home Affairs seeks detailed report from the Goa government on the actions taken by it in the Tarun Tejpal`s sexual assault case.
Also Read: Home Ministry seeks Goa Police report on Tarun Tejpal case
10:26 am: Kirti Azad on Digvijay`s Tehelka connection
Is it a mere coincidence that #ZeroSibal is the founder member of Tehelka and now @digvijaya_28 is defending Tejpal. Indirect connection?
— Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzadMP) November 29, 2013
10:19 am: Goa court to hear Tejpal`s anticipatory bail plea
A news channel says Panaji sessions court will hear Tejpal`s plea seeking anticipatory bail very shortly.
10:15 am: More raids in Delhi
A joint team of Goa and Delhi police carries out searches
at various places, including that of Tejpal`s relatives, to trace him.
10:00 am: Tejpal`s lawyers reach Goa court
A news channel reports that Tarun Tejpal`s lawyers have reached sessions court of Panaji, Goa. Seeking relief from arrest, Tejpal`s petition says his arrest is not required. He has vowed to be "available for investigation whenever police wants".
Also Read: Tejpal applies for anticipatory bail in Goa
9:49 am: Tarun Tejpal a predator on employees, says VK Singh
Former Army chief General VK Singh tweets unbiased probe needed to punish Tejpal.
My view is that Tarun Tejpal has been a predator on employees. Must have got away earlier hence unbiased investigation needed to punish him.
— Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) November 29, 2013
9:45 am: `Tejpal must come out`
NCW member in-charge of Goa Shamina Shafiq says Tarun Tejpal must come out to reveal his side of story.
8:15 am: `Tejpal`s family not cooperating`
A news agency cites police sources as saying that Tejpal`s family is not cooperating with the Goa police. Tejpal`s wife Geetan Batra has refused to reveal the whereabouts of her husband. Some reports say the Tehelka editor could be at his Himachal Pradesh`s home. Police leave his house after 90 minutes and may look at other possible locations where he could be found.
Also Read: Goa police raids Tejpal`s home, finds him missing
8:14 am: Subramanian Swamy on Tejpal
On microblogging website Twitter, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy took a dig at Tejpal.
Tez may be hiding in his sympathisers' houses. Goa police should search at10 Janpath.
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) November 29, 2013
8:05 am: BJP leader Vijay Jolly to appear before police
As directed by the Delhi police, BJP leader Vijay Jolly will appear at a police station on Friday morning to record his statement after he defaced the name plate and poured black paint in front of the residence of Tehelka`s former managing editor Shoma Chaudhury.
Hours after booking Jolly under various section of the Indian Penal Code, police on Thursday sent him a letter to appear at Saket police station in south Delhi on Friday around 10 am to record his statement under section 160 of CrPC.
A case under the IPC and the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act was registered at the police station on Thursday evening. Officials said policemen have been deployed outside Chaudhury`s house and one has been deputed for her security.
Earlier in the day, around 50 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members led by Jolly reached Chaudhury`s house in Saket and raised slogans against her.
Also Read: BJP leader Vijay Jolly to appear before police
7:59 am: `Tejpal not at residence`
Tarun Tejpal is not at his residence, say police.
6:15 am: Tarun Tejpal`s arrest imminent?
A seven-member team of Goa police reaches residence of Tehalka editor Tarun Tejpal in Jungpura area of South Delhi with a non-bailable warrant. Crime Branch personnel of Delhi Police are also at Tejpal`s residence.
On Thursday evening, Tejpal had told the Goa Police that he would appear before them on Friday, after officials made it clear that they were ready to arrest him on charges of sexually assaulting a junior colleague.
After first seeking two days more to reach Goa, Tejpal made a U-turn in the evening and informed the police by fax that he would reach Panaji on Friday, police sources said.
The dramatic development came on a day the Tehelka`s managing editor, Shoma Chaudhury, resigned from the news magazine after insisting that she had not tried to cover-up Tejpal`s alleged crime.
Tejpal also withdrew on Thursday his anticipatory bail application filed in the Delhi High Court and also skipped a 3 pm deadline by which he had to report to the Goa Police officer probing the case in Panaji.
In a related development, managing editor Chaudhury suddenly resigned Thursday. This coincided with a demonstration outside her New Delhi house by Bharatiya Janata Party supporters.
The BJP later distanced itself from the noisy protest by a party leader, Vijay Jolly.
