Many facts create doubt on truthfulness of victim: Goa court on Tarun Tejpal’s acquittal

Special judge Kshama Joshi mentions lack of medical evidence, delay in lodging FIR as reasons for acquittal.

While recently acquitting former Tehelka editor in a 2013 sexual harassment and rape case filed by his colleague, the Mapusa District and Sessions Court in Goa said, “There are many facts that have come on record, which create a doubt on the truthfulness of the victim.” Special judge Kshama Joshi said, “The allegations made by the prosecutrix [victim] cannot be said to have been proved beyond reasonable doubt. There is no medical evidence on record on account of delay in lodgment of FIR and as the prosecutrix had refused to go for medical examination. If the FIR was lodged immediately, then perhaps, there could have been some swelling in the vagina or presence of saliva of the accused.”