Crime
Indian journalist acquitted of rape
New Delhi: Tarun Tejpal, the Indian journalist accused of assaulting a female journalist in the elevator of a hotel, has been acquitted by a court.
Judge Kshama Joshi read out a brief order in the presence of Tarun Tejpal and his family, his attorney Suhas Velip told reporters. Press was not allowed in the courtroom because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Tejpal, 58, was arrested in 2015. The founder and editor-in-chief of Tehelka magazine came under investigation after the woman told the managing editor about the alleged assault. The woman has not been named in line with Indian laws protecting identities in sexual assault cases. Tejpal was later freed on bail.
The woman said Tejpal assaulted her twice in a hotel elevator in Goa, on Nov. 7 and 8, 2013, when the magazine was hosting its annual conference of Indian leaders, newsmakers, and celebrities. The woman’s duties at the conference involved escorting Robert De Niro and his daughter to events.
Prosecutors are expected to appeal the decision. Tejpal, meanwhile, has released a statement thanking the court for an "impartial trial".