Tarun Tejpal's police custody extended

Tehelka founder-editor Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a colleague, will remain in the custody of Goa police for four more days.

After expiry of his six-day remand on Saturday, the 50-year-old journalist was produced before a local court, which extended his police custody till December 10.

Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a colleague in a hotel in Goa in early November, was arrested by Goa police on November 30.

During arguments before Judicial Magistrate First Class Kshama Joshi, his counsel Sandip Kapoor opposed extension of the remand.

He said his client has been thoroughly interrogated by police and relevant material, besides the clothes which he wore on the day of the alleged incident, has been recovered.

Public Prosecutor Saresh Lotlikar told the court that many witnesses were yet to be examined and further custody of Tejpal was required.

The Tehelka founder underwent two rounds of medical tests during his six-day custody.

Three colleagues of the victim, who has since resigned from the weekly magazine, deposed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Goa on Friday. The victim had confided in them about the alleged sexual assault.

The statement of Shoma Chaudhury, former managing editor of the magazine, will also be recorded by the Magistrate.

The victim has written to Chaudhury and complained about the incident.