Tehelka rape case: Tejpal's lawyer names victim, snubbed by judge

Panaji, Nov 30:The Tejpal case is being heard in a Goa session court today and the judge is soon to arrive at a closure. Sources say that the prosecution has sought for 14 days of custodial interrogation, while Tarun Tejpal's lawyers are seeking bail. Amid these heated arguments, the former Editor's lawyer Geeta Luthra named the journalist who was allegedly raped by him.

The judge's wrath followed who censured the lawyer saying that this was a major mistake, which could lead to maligning the victim.

"It looks as if the victim is the accused. We won't tolerate this. This is not done... are we trying to malign her?" the judge, Anuja Prabhudessai, asked. Defending herself, Luthra explained that the investigating officer has written the name. The judge countered saying "You ought not to have said it." According to the law, the identity of the rape victim should not be revealed.

All defences against the victim seemed to backfire for the Tejpal team. ON accusing the victim of making a political remark on the incident and insisting that the case was a political gimmick, the judge said,"I am concerned with the crime, not the political remarks that were made after. Did the young girl make the political remarks?" (reported ndtv.com)

If accused, Tejpal may land in jail for 10 years.

In Panaji

Activists of the Bharatiya Janata yuva morcha protesting against Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal (unseen) on his arrival at Dabolim airport in Panaji, Goa on Friday. Tejpal is accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist.

In Panaji

Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal is escorted on his arrival in Panaji, Goa on Friday. Tejpal is accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist.

In Panaji

Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal is escorted on his arrival in Panaji, Goa on Friday. Tejpal is accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist.

In New Delhi

Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal with his daughter at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Friday before boarding flight to Goa. Tejpal is accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist.

In New Delhi

Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal with his daughter at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Friday before boarding flight to Goa. Tejpal is accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist.

In New Delhi

Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal with his wife at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Friday before boarding flight to Goa. Tejpal is accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist.