Court to hear Tarun Tejpal's bail plea today

, March 4: The Bombay High Court in

is expected to hear former Tehelka editor-in-chief

's bail plea today.

The Court, on Feb 18, had postponed the hearing of Tejpal's bail plea, while seeking a copy of the chargesheet filed by the Crime Branch a day earlier. Tejpal is expected to be present in court during the hearing.

After a fast-tracked investigation, the Goa Police Crime Branch charged Tejpal under sections 354, 354-A (sexual harassment), 341 and 342 (wrongful restrain), 376 (rape), 376(2)(f) and 376 (2)(k)(takes advantage of his official position and commits rape in his custody).

Tejpal has already spent 80 days in police and judicial custody since his arrest Nov 30, after a nationwide police chase.

A junior colleague had accused Tejpal of alleged rape during ThinkFest, a high profile conference organised by Tehelka founder in Goa which was attended by Hollywood star Robert de Niro.

The victim had claimed that she was sexually assaulted twice Nov 7 and 8. Tejpal is presently lodged in Sada sub jail located in Vasco, 35 km from here.

IANS