Tarun Tejpal Acquittal May Deter Other Assault Victims, Say Activists

A sessions court in Goa today acquitted Tarun Tejpal, former editor of Tehelka, of sexually assaulting a woman.

Women rights activists have said the decision to acquit journalist Tarun Tejpal in a sexual assault case will deter other victims from coming forward to report crimes against them, saying once again a survivor was "demeaned and humiliated". A sessions court in Goa acquitted Mr Tejpal of sexually assaulting a woman, who was his colleague at that time, in an elevator of a five-star resort. Calling the judgment disappointing and demotivating, women rights activists questioned the grounds on which he has been let off. Women rights activist and cyber safety expert Akancha Srivastava said Mr Tejpal himself admitted that he attempted to assault her.