NEW DELHI-
The former editor of a prominent news magazine in India charged with raping a colleague insisted on Tuesday he was innocent, after a court deferred his appeal for bail in the case and adjourned the hearing till March 4.
Tarun Tejpal , former editor of a top investigative magazine Tehelka was charged with the rape of a female colleague on Monday.
Tarun Tejpal was also charged with “sexual harassment” and “outraging the modesty of a woman”, Press Trust of India reports.
Tejpal has been in prison since 30 November. He denies the charges.
His unnamed accuser has alleged that he assaulted her twice in a hotel elevator on 7 and 8 November at an event organised by the magazine in Goa in November.
Legal experts say if found guilty, Mr Tejpal could be sentenced to at least seven years in jail.
Tejpal described the sexual encounter as “consensual” and “fleeting” and said the allegations were part of a “pre-election political conspiracy”.
Mr Tejpal’s accuser rejected his claims.
The case made front-page news in India for days while the magazine, well known for reporting on gender inequality insensitivity of authorities to rape victims, was accused of hypocrisy and trying to cover up a serious crime after magazine staff were sent an email saying Tejpal was stepping down for six months for “misconduct”.
According to Investigating Officer Sunita Sawant, who filed a 2,684-page charge sheet before the court on Monday, there was enough evidence to prove the charges.
Police have sought a fast-track trial of the case that could be completed within 60 days.