Tarun Tejpal Claims Political Targeting After 10-Year Sentence for Rape Conviction

Tejpal's Response to Court Ruling

On August 6, former editor of a prominent magazine, Tarun Tejpal, expressed his belief that he has been a victim of political persecution following the Bombay High Court's decision to impose a 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence for a 2013 rape case. He stated that for the past 13 years, he has faced targeting due to his journalism. In a conversation with reporters after the verdict, Tejpal announced his intention to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that the truth would ultimately prevail.

Plans to Appeal the Verdict

Tejpal declared, "We will appeal against this ruling. We believe this order is incorrect, and we will take it to the Supreme Court." He accused authorities of targeting him because of his work with the magazine.

Allegations of Targeting Journalists

He remarked, "We are definitely going to the Supreme Court. There is no doubt that for the last 13 years, they have been after me because of my work at the magazine. After fighting the case in the trial court for seven years, we were acquitted, but they have come after us again." Tejpal asserted that those who speak out against those in power are often targeted.

Impact on Journalism Career

He claimed that individuals aligned with the authorities are often exonerated, while those who have reported against them face repercussions. Tejpal pointed out several cases over the past 12 years where opponents have been ensnared. He mentioned that Umar Khalid has been imprisoned for six years, along with many others like him.

Tejpal's Career at Stake

Tejpal alleged that this case has effectively ended his journalism career. He stated, "They have halted my journalism, shut down the magazine, and prevented my books from being published. I have complete faith in the judiciary. In such a large judiciary, there must be judges who will see my truth. The truth will come out."

Court's Decision and Government's Stance

The Bombay High Court's Goa bench delivered a significant blow to Tejpal by convicting him of rape against a former junior colleague in 2013. The court overturned a previous acquittal by the Goa Sessions Court in 2021, sentencing him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. Tejpal pleaded for leniency, claiming he is a "victim of politics" and a father of two daughters. Meanwhile, the Solicitor General representing the Goa government, Tushar Mehta, requested the maximum sentence to send a strong message that "no means no."