Kara Tejpal Defends Father Tarun Tejpal Amid Controversial Ruling

Kara Tejpal has come forward to defend her father, Tarun Tejpal, after a controversial conviction by the Mumbai High Court. She argues that the ruling is tied to his work in investigative journalism and expresses her determination to support him despite facing criticism. Kara reflects on her journey from fear to empowerment, emphasizing her belief in her father's innocence and the impact of media coverage on their lives. This case has sparked discussions about the intersection of journalism, power, and justice.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 9, 2026, 09:06 IST

Kara Tejpal Stands by Her Father

Panaji, August 8 - Kara Tejpal, the daughter of former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, publicly defended her father on Saturday. She linked the Mumbai High Court's conviction of him to his investigative journalism, stating that she is unfazed by being labeled as the daughter of a rapist or someone who supports rape.

Kara expressed that she has spent 13 years analyzing the evidence presented in the case and has concluded that her father is innocent. In her statement, she reflected on her journey, noting that she was 23 when her father was arrested and 31 when he was acquitted. Now at 36, she stands by him, asserting that the High Court's ruling was based on a false complaint filed by the Goa government.

The High Court recently overturned a 2021 decision by a lower court that had acquitted Tejpal, finding him guilty of raping a junior colleague in 2013. This ruling came in response to an appeal filed by the Goa government against his acquittal.

Kara mentioned that she was initially afraid to speak out when her father was arrested, deeply affected by the media coverage surrounding the case. However, she has decided to voice her support for her father despite the backlash.

She stated, 'I am no longer that 23-year-old girl. I am 36 now, and I do not care if I am called a supporter of rape or the daughter of a rapist.' Kara also attempted to connect the case to the controversies surrounding Tehelka's investigative journalism and alleged corruption by those in power.

She claimed that her father's work made him a target, and the rape allegations were a means to silence him. Tarun Tejpal was arrested in November 2013 after accusations of sexually assaulting his junior colleague in a hotel lift during a Tehelka event in Goa.