Tehelka case: As it happened on Saturday

Goa Sessions court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Tarun Tejpal.

Zee Media Bureau/Kamna Arora/Sushmita Dutta 11:35 pm: By seeking bail Tejpal weakened his case: Kiran Bedi Speaking about the sexual assault case against Tarun Tejpal, Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi wrote on twitter, "By seeking anticipatory bail,and making provocative insinuations in a sexual assault case Tejpal weakened his case. Apparently I`ll advised! "

By seeking anticipatory bail,and making provocative insinuations in a sexual assault case #Tejpal weakened his case.Apparently I'll advised!

— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) November 30, 2013

10:22 pm: Prima facie evidence to show rape: Court Rejecting Tarun Tejpal`s anticipatory bail plea, a local court held today that the material on record prima facie indicate that he is involved in committing acts which constitute offences of custodial rape and outraging the modesty of the woman. "The statement of the victim and the documents in the form of emails etc., details of which need not be reproduced here, prima facie indicate that the applicant, who was her mentor and father figure, had not only outraged her modesty but had misused his position, betrayed her trust and violated her body," District and Sessions Anuja Prabhudesai observed in her 25-page order. 10:30 pm: No way out for Tarun Tejpal? Tarun Tejpal will be produced in front of the Judicial Magistrate tomorrow. After over three hours of questioning, the Session Courts Judge passed an order and rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Tejpal. He is now being arrested by the Goa police. He has been given permission to speak to his lawyer once a day. 9:28 pm: Tarun Tejpal arrested by Goa police Tarun Tejpal has been formally arrested by the Goa police in the sexual assault case. He will be taken to hospital for mandatory check-up. 9:22 pm: Tejpal`s bail plea rejected, taken into custody by Goa police After being denied bail, 50-year-old Tehelka founder, Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexual assaulting a woman colleague has now being taken into police custody. 9:00 pm: Tejpal`s arrest next logical step: Goa DGP According to news reports Goa Police is awaiting court`s order rejecting Tarun Tejpal`s bail plea before arresting him. Meanwhile Goa DGP has said that, "Tejpal`s arrest is the next logical step." 8:40 pm: Tarun Tejpal to be arrested says IO Sunita Sawant "We will arrest Tejpal shortly," said Investigating Officer Sunita Sawant after the Goa Sessions Court rejected bail plea of Tarun Tejpal. 8:30 pm: We are cooperating, have already joined the probe: Geeta Luthra Shortly after the bail plea of Tarun Tejpal got rejected, his lawyer Geeta Luthra reiterated that they are giving 100% cooperation to police. "We are cooperating, have already joined the probe," Geeta Luthra said while briefing the journalists. 8:10 pm: Tarun Tejpal`s bail plea rejected According to the latest new reports the anticipatory bail plea of Tarun Tejpal has been rejected. He is now likely to be legally arrested anytime from Dona Paula Goa Crime Branch office, before which he will be taken for some medical examinations. This is considered to be a big blow to the entire Tejpal team. The decision has come after over three hours of investigation. 7:40 pm: Tejpal`s order being drafted The decision gets delayed as Principal and Sessions Judge Anuja Prabhudesai gets her judgement typed inside her chamber. 7:15 pm: CCTV footage confirms `rape` During the argument in the alleged sexual assault case, it is being learnt that the CCTV footage of the hotel in Goa where the incident occurred early this month has made it clear that it was a rape. Earlier in the day, Public Prosecutor (PP) Saresh Lotlikar had said that the CCTV footage of the hotel in Goa gives enough hints confirming the allegation of rape. 5:00 pm: Congress for stern action against Lekhi Congress women`s wing chief Shobha Oza on Saturday demanded stern action against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi, for revealing the surname of the victim of the sexual assault case involving formerTehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal on Twitter . However, Lekhi denied revealing the victim`s last name, and said that a person, who is aware of the law, would never attempt such an act. "I never made any statement at the first place as I am well aware of the consequences, and a person who is aware of it will never attempt such an act. I clarified my stand and maintained what I had to. I have been the front-runner and helped NCW and such organization," she said. 4:55 pm: NCW seeks reply from Lekhi for Twitter remark The National Commission for Women sought an explanation from BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi for revealing on Twitter the surname of the female journalist who had accused Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal of sexual assault. "We have sought an explanation from Meenakshi Lekhi on why she has revealed surname of the victim. She is a responsible person, and if a person like her makes a mistake like this, than it is very unfortunate," NCW member Shamina Shafiq, who is also the commission`s in-charge for Goa, said. The commission has asked Lekhi to file her reply within 25 hours. Revealing identity of the victim in such cases is punishable under Section 228A of IPC and Shafiq said NCW will take action against this act. 4:50 pm: Tarun Tejpal reaches Crime Branch Ahead of the Goa session court`s order, Tarun Tejpal reaches Goa Crime Branch office with his legal team. 4:30 pm: Goa police reach court Goa police reach court ahead of order on Tarun Tejpal`s bail plea. 3:00 pm: No comments, says Medha Patkar There is some kind of politicisation that is happening, but what had happened cannot be forgiven. The case is still on and I am not commenting on it, says social activist Medha Patkar. On Friday, Patkar alleged 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. The BJP has slammed Patkar. 2:36 pm: Complaint to police over Tehelka journalist`s name leak Hasiba Amin, the president of the Goa unit of the NSUI, has submitted a complaint to police, saying activist Madhu Kishwar leaked the name of the woman journalist who accused Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal of sexual assault. National Students Union of India leader Amin, however, said police were not interested in registering her complaint or taking action against the activist. "I wish to lodge a complaint against activist Madhu Kishwar for revealing the name of the victim in the Tarun Tejpal case of sexual assault," Amin wrote in her complaint submitted to the Crime Branch November 24. The complainant said the comment by Kishwar was made on social media website Twitter on November 22. Also Read: Complaint to police over Tehelka journalist`s name leak 2:02 pm: BJP `settling scores` with Tejpal, says Faleiro Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, accused of rape, found support from former union minister Eduardo Faleiro, whose daughter Sonia was once employed as an editor at the investigative news weekly. In a statement released to the media, Faleiro, a Congressman, accused the BJP and the Goa government of harassing Tejpal and "settling scores" with him. Also Read: BJP `settling scores` with Tejpal: Faleiro 1:30 pm: Meenakshi Lekhi defends tweet There is a conspiracy in this. Dirty tricks are at work. The matter is blown out of proportion, says Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi, a day after tweeting the surname of the victim of the sexual assault case involving Tejpal on Twitter. Lekhi defends herself by saying that no controversy should have erupted over this. "I have been a frontrunner of women rights." 1:00 pm: Omar Abdullah on Tehelka case It`s unfortunate. In the way Tehelka is trying to villify the woman is even more unfortunate, says Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. 12:40 pm: Tarun Tejpal attacked Tarun Tejpal and his family leave court separately. Police detain a person identified as Mangal Chowdhary, who hails from Rajasthan and is living in Goa, for throwing the black flag on Tejpal outside the court. 12:29 pm: Tejpal`s bail plea hearing adjourned till 4.30 pm Arguments conclude. Goa court hearing Tarun Tejpal`s anticipatory bail petition adjourns till 4:30 PM. Also Read: Goa court adjourns Tarun Tejpal`s bail plea hearing till 4.30 pm 12:25 pm: Court urged to oppose Tejpal`s anticipatory bail plea Prosecution tells court to oppose Tejpal`s anticipatory bail plea, saying he derided journalist. Tejpal is not consistent and misguiding people, argues the PP. He further notes that Tejpal`s `immaculate reputation` has already gone for a toss. He also says that defence lawyer cannot lament anti-rape law as draconian, noting it came after someone lost her life. He further rejects political motivation as an argument for bail. 11:53 am: `CCTV footage confirms sexual assault` In Goa court, Public Prosecutor Saresh Lotlikar argues that CCTV footage confirms sexual assault charge against Tejpal to a certain extent. 11:48 am: Did we insert a demon into Tarun Tejpal, asks Balbir Punj Bharatiya Janata Party vice president Balbir Punj hits out at social activist Medha Patekar, asking did BJP insert a demon into Tarun Tejpal to sexually harass a young girl. On Friday, Patkar had accused the BJP of settling scores with Tejpal for the magazine`s earlier sting operations against the party. 11:40 am: Prosecution denies embellishments All versions of journalist`s statement are similar, no embellishments of any sort, says prosecution. The defence counsel had yesterday accused the victim of fabricating the complaint. “Journalists can write well with embellishments,” the defence had argued. Arguing that while Tejpal is changing colours like a chameleon, the prosecution says victim`s versions are consistent. "The accused has been changing colours like a chameleon through different statements," he says, adding the victim has been consistent in her statements. If the lady were to react during the fest, there could have been possible commotion, says the public prosecutor. The lady journalist is the sole bread-winner of the family, notes the prosecutor. Prosecution also gives Goa court an assessment of CCTV footage, on paper. Tejpal`s lawyer`s arguments are such `that he thought the trial had started`, says public prosecutor. Calling it a prima facie case, prosecution tells court that the Goa Police wants Tejpal to be arrested for custodial interrogation. 11:36 am: Why was Tejpal running away from law, asks Kirti Azad Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former cricketer Kirti Azad claimed that Tehelka magazine founder editor Tarun Tejpal was looking for ways to evade the law in connection with his role in a sexual harassment and assault case filed against him earlier this month, and asked why he was doing so. "The first thing is that why was Tarun Tejpal running away. There is something called culture which we still abide by and maintain in India. And due to this, girls generally do not come out with these kind of complaints. And, if she (the victim) did it, is very good and much appreciated," said Azad. Also Read: Why was Tarun Tejpal running away from the law: Kirti Azad 11:30 am: Prosecution begins arguments Tarun Tejpal`s lawyer finishes arguments. Prosecution begins arguments. 11:29 am: BJP leader accused of irresponsible behaviour National Commission for Women member Shamina Shafiq criticises Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi for revealing the surname of the victim of the sexual assault case involving former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal on Twitter. Also Read: NCW member accuses BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi of irresponsible behaviour 11:28 am: Delhi Police politically prosecuting me, says Jolly A day after giving a clarification on his black paint protest outside the residence of former Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Jolly said that police in Delhi were politically prosecuting and persecuting him at the behest of the ruling Congress Party. "They (Delhi Police) are using the tactics of pressurising me. I believe that it is a case of political prosecution by Delhi Police under instructions from the Congress. It is a conspiracy to keep me away from the election (December 4 state Assembly polls). I totally condemn this," said Jolly. 10:54 am: Tejpal ready to stay in Goa, says lawyer Tarun Tejpal is ready to stay in Goa or wherever the court wants, or seize passport if needed, says lawyer. The editor`s lawyers plead for extension of interim protection, say arrest should be the last option. "There should not be any fear that he (Tejpal) will tamper with witnesses or evidence," the defence lawyer says. 10:28 am: Tejpal reaches Goa court After visiting the Crime Branch office, Tarun Tejpal reaches Goa court which is hearing his anticipatory bail plea. 10:20 am: 14-day custody of Tejpal sought Prosecution seeks 14-day custody of Tarun Tejpal. 10:12 am: Tejpal`s anticipatory bail hearing resumes Tarun Tejpal`s anticipatory bail hearing resumes. His wife and sister are also present in court. 10:08 am: Tarun Tejpal`s lawyers arrive in court Tarun Tejpal`s lawyers arrive in Goa court ahead of his bail hearing. 10:00 am: Crime branch team in Goa court The Crime Branch team reaches Goa Sessions Court before the hearing begins. 9:33 am: High security outside Goa court Security has been tightened outside the North Goa District and Sessions court ahead of bail plea hearing of Tehelka founder-editor Tarun Tejpal, who faces allegations of sexual assault. 9:28 am: Tejpal leaves Crime Branch office Tarun Tejpal leaves Goa Crime Branch office. Police sources said Tejpal was not quizzed and stayed for 10 minutes. Outside the office, Tejpal tells reporters that he would do whatever his lawyers deem fit. He further vowed to cooperate in investigation. The magazine editor adds that he does not need to make an appearance in the court. "I just need to join the crime branch investigation, which I have done," says Tejpal. Also Read: Tarun Tejpal visits Crime Branch office in Goa 9:15 am: Tejpal reaches Goa Crime Branch office Tarun Tejpal reaches Goa Crime Branch office. He is accompanied by three people, which included his brother Minty Tejpal and members of his legal team. 9:00 am: Crime Branch personnel outside Goa hotel A team of Crime Branch is outside the hotel where Tarun Tejpal is staying with his family. 7:40 am: Tejpal`s interim bail ends at 10 am Accused of rape and of dodging the Goa Police, Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal`s interim bail ends at 10 am on Saturday. Tejpal arrived in Panaji on Friday, which saw rapid developments across New Delhi and Goa, packed with action, suspense and legal battles. An elusive Tejpal kept both the media and police in Goa and Delhi guessing for most of the Friday morning before surfacing at Delhi`s Indira Gandhi International airport around noon to board an IndiGo airline flight. A pale-looking Tejpal, wearing a black shirt and his trademark pony tail, was accompanied by his wife Geetan, sister Neena, brother Minty and others. He made a short but agitated statement to the media. "I got the summons yesterday. I said I am going to Goa. And I am going to Goa," Tejpal had said, before boarding at 2.30 pm a flight also ferrying media crew and Goa Police officials. When he landed in Goa, it was to a chorus of protests orchestrated by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha activists who raised slogans against the veteran journalist known for sting operations. He was escorted out of the airport through a less conspicuous exit. Tejpal was taken to the Crime Branch office where he was questioned by the investigating officer, Inspector Sunita Sawant. His legal team was present all through the session. About 35 km away in Panaji, while granting interim bail to Tejpal, North Goa District and Sessions Judge Anuja Prabhudessai heard the anticipatory bail plea for nearly an hour and a half, listening to arguments put forth by the prosecution and defense lawyers. While the prosecution pressed for custodial interrogation, the defence raised a spectrum of points ranging from Tejpal`s alleged political victimisation to accusing the victim of fabricating the rape case, even calling the new anti-rape law "draconian". During the proceedings, the judge blasted the defence counsel for reading out the name of the victim from the FIR. Also Read: Will Tarun Tejpal be arrested? Decision likely by 10 am 7:30 am: BJP`s Vijay Jolly to appear before police The Delhi Police on Friday interrogated Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Jolly and asked him to again appear on Saturday to record his statement for defacing the name plate of Tehelka`s former managing editor Shoma Chaudhury`s residence. Replying to a question if Jolly will be arrested, a police officer said: "We have registered a case against him and if needed, he will be arrested." A case under the IPC and the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act was registered against Jolly 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. Around 50 BJP members, led by Jolly, reached Chaudhury`s house in Saket on Thursday and raised slogans against her. Jolly painted the name plate black and also wrote a word with black paint. He also poured black paint outside Chaudhary`s house.