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MUMBAI: Even as rape accused Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal’s judicial remand was extended by another 10 days by a court in Goa on Saturday, the latest news about his magazine is rather sombre. It has been reported that the magazine is on the verge of closure because of lack of finances.
Though many journalists left the magazine after the sex scandal, it still has a staff of about 150. They could be asked to go as the management may not be able to raise fresh finances for 2014. A known politician and industrialist, who owned a major stake in the company that ran Tehelka, is not willing to commit any funds for 2014, according to Headline TV network. The channel quoted sources in the Tehelka management as saying that the closure could happen within days.
Tejpal was arrested on November 30 for allegedly sexually molesting a junior colleague in Panaji on November 7-8 during the magazine’s annual conclave called ThinkFest.
On December 23, judicial magistrate Sarika Phaldesai had remanded him to a 12-day judicial remand after his police remand and questioning by the cops.
Goa Police had registered an FIR against Tejpal after taking a suo motu notice of the alleged molestation incident in Panaji.
The journalist is currently lodged at the Sada sub-jail at Vasco which is more than 30 km from the capital Panaji.
Tejpal has been charged under various Sections – 341, 342, 354, 376 and 376 (2) (c) (k) (f) – of the IPC.
The victim happened to be the daughter of Tejpal’s friend. In fact, Tejpal had given her the job because she happened to be his friend’s daughter.
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