Tarun Tejpal faces law in Goa: Fall of Tehelka founder

New Delhi: Two weeks ago Tarun Tejpal was one of India's most powerful journalists, editor-in-chief of the respected magazine Tehelka and owner of a growing empire that included resorts, a nightclub, and the prestigious Think India annual conference.

Now he is in Goa trying to save himself from the clutches of law in a case of alleged rape of a junior female colleague, facing a jail term upto 10 years. His media business is in trouble, with many promoters and advertisers re-thinking their investment, and several journalists have quit in protest. Matters headed into a downward spiral for Tejpal, immediately after his colleague sent an e-mail to Managing editor Shoma Chaudhury, with detailed references to the events of November 7 and 8 this year.

November 7&8

According to the alleged victim's email- which formed the basis of the police FIR, Tejpal had assaulted her, twice in 2 days in the lift of Goa's hotel Hyatt, during the conference.

November 19

Chaudhury's first response was to demand Tejpal apologise, but accepted his offer to step aside for 6 months, and hoped matters would end there. It was a decision Chaudhury would regret as she now stands accused of covering up for Tejpal's shocking sexual misconduct.

Tejpal sent 2 apologies to the victim, and one to Chaudhury, but while in his private mail he admitted "attempting a sexual liaison on two occasions, despite your clear reluctance."

In the mail to Chaudhury, which she sent to her colleagues, he only referred to it as an "unfortunate incident".

November 21

The victim wrote back, rejecting all the emails, insisting that Chaudhury now constitute a committee to investigate as per Supreme Court guidelines. But by the time Chaudhry agreed, it was already too late. The Goa police had decided to investigate the case.

November 22

Perhaps sensing the changed situation, Tejpal now took a complete u-turn, calling the victims allegations a "complete lie" in a statement.

In an interview to CNN-IBN Editor in Chief Rajdeep Sardesai, Chaudhury said, Tejpal had a different version of events from the victim.

Later that evening the victims mother lodged a police report- saying Tejpal's relatives visited her house, and tried to have the case closed.

November 25

Next, the victim resigned, accusing Chaudhury of betrayal, as well as "intimidation, character assassination and slander".

November 26

Meanwhile the Goa Police swung into action, recording the victims statement in Mumbai and Goa.

November 27

Armed with all evidences, the Goa Police issue a summon to Tejpal asking him to join the probe in Goa by November 3 PM on November 28.

November 28

And finally the Goa Police dispatch a team to Delhi to look for Tejpal. Shoma Chaudhury resigns, apologising for her actions to the National Commission for Women (NCW).

November 29

With the net closing in on him, Tejpal finally decided to appear before the law. Flies to Goa by an afternoon flight. The Goa Police take him with them from Dabolim airport in Goa to a sessions court. The Sessions court adjourns hearing to Saturday giving him protection from the arrest till the court decides on his bail plea.

In the meantime the victim issues a statement attacking Tejpal for trying to malign her image and character.

November 30

Tarun Tejpal loses a court battle on his bail plea. A sessions court in Goa rejects his bail application. Goa Police take him into their custody for the interrogation.