Top Indian editor’s custody extended for 12 days in rape case

File Photo of Tarun Tejpal (Pic: Indiatimes)

NEW DELHI (AA) - The judicial custody of media baron Tarun Tejpal, the founder and editor-in-chief of investigative weekly magazine Tehelka who is accused of sexually molesting a 28-year old colleague in a posh hotel elevator in coastal Goa state, has been extended for 12 days as the defense lawyer moved for a bail petition.

Judge Sarika Faldesai extended the judicial custody after Tejpal’s initial 12-day judicial custody expired on Monday.

Tejpal’s lawyers moved for a bail petition in the district court, stating the accused has not been questioned by the police ever since he was lodged into judicial custody. The district court will hear the bail plea on Thursday.

Tejpal was arrested by Goa police on November 30 and slapped with rape charges and "outraging the modesty of a woman."

The alleged incident took place during a high-profile media event organized by the magazine from November 8 to 10. Hollywood actor Robert De Niro and Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan both attended the event.

Tejpal, 50, is an internationally-acclaimed writer and one of the country's best known journalists, and is considered by many as an investigative journalism pioneer in India.

Anadolu Agency, December 23, 2013