Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal on Thursday maintained that he had been falsely implicated after the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court convicted him in the 2013 sexual assault case involving a former junior colleague. Speaking to reporters outside the court, Tejpal claimed he had been subjected to "political vendetta" and asserted that the evidence in the case should have resulted in his acquittal. Later in the day, the court sentenced the 62-year-old journalist to 10 years' imprisonment. Tejpal has sought eight weeks' time to surrender and is expected to challenge the verdict before the Supreme Court.

Addressing the media after the conviction, Tejpal said he had full faith in the judiciary and expressed confidence that a higher court would examine the evidence in his favour. He alleged that he had been targeted for over a decade and claimed the prosecution was driven by revenge. Referring to jailed activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and Surendra Gadling, Tejpal said he considered himself "one of them," suggesting that he too had been falsely implicated because of Tehelka's investigative journalism and its impact on political interests.

The High Court, however, held that Tejpal occupied a position of significant authority over the complainant, who was a junior journalist working under him at Tehelka. According to the prosecution, the survivor was sexually assaulted twice inside a hotel elevator during the magazine's ThinkFest event in Goa on November 7 and 8, 2013. Tejpal was arrested later that month after the allegations surfaced. The identity of the survivor has not been disclosed in accordance with legal provisions protecting victims of sexual offences.

Also Read: Delhi HC Reviews Sharjeel Imam's Bail Plea In Alleged Riots Conspiracy Case

During the sentencing hearing, Tejpal appealed for leniency, telling the court that he believed he was a victim and referring to his age and family circumstances. The Goa government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued for the maximum punishment, contending that Tejpal had ignored the complainant's refusal and abused his position of authority. The court ultimately imposed a 10-year prison sentence after considering the facts and circumstances of the case.

Following the verdict, the survivor's mother described the judgment as a significant moment after years of legal proceedings. She said the decision had lifted a heavy emotional burden and thanked the Goa government and the prosecution team for pursuing the case. Tejpal, who initially expressed remorse over the incident in 2013, later maintained that the allegations were part of a politically motivated campaign against him. His legal team is expected to appeal the conviction and sentence before the Supreme Court.

Also Read: Former Delhi HC Judge Criticises Legal Process Over Umar Khalid Case And Convictions