<p>Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Thursday virtually confirmed that a sexual assault was attempted by Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal on a junior colleague at a Goa resort.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Tejpal has been accused of sexual misconduct by a junior colleague at Tehelka during a high-profile conference held in Goa earlier this month. Tejpal, who has not denied the charges, stepped down as the editor-in-chief of the weekly news magazine, calling it "atonement" for his actions.<br /><br />Parrikar, however, said the complainant would have to come forward and complain for police to file a First Information Report (FIR).<br /><br />Parrikar blamed the incident on Tejpal's "individual weakness". "From what I see, there was definitely an attempt. There are emails sent by the girl which are on the internet," said Parrikar, whose government has ordered a preliminary inquiry into the incident.<br /><br />The chief minister said a complaint from the victim would be vital for filing an FIR.<br />"Progress of the inquiry will depend on whether the complainant registers a complaint. Because it is a body offence, the complainant has to have a role. Unless I have a complaint, I cannot prove guilt," Parrikar said.<br /><br />The chief minister also justified a preliminary probe, claiming that if a "criminal offence happens in the jurisdiction of the state, we are required to investigate it".<br />"Based on the report of the preliminary inquiry, further action will be taken. <br /><br />Preliminary inquiry does not require a complaint from anyone," Parrikar said.<br />Parrikar also said the Goa State Women's Commission could also take up the matter suo motu.<br /><br />"My information indicates that there is a complaint with the women's commission in Delhi and I also have knowledge that the Goa Women's Commission is also considering a suo motu probe in the issue," the chief minister said.<br /><br />Parrikar questioned Tejpal's "atonement" philosophy, after the editor decided to recuse himself from the post of editor for six months after issuing a public apology about the incident.<br /><br />"I don't blame the event. It's a weakness of an individual. If you have a weakness, then you can't say that I am out of business for six months," Parrikar said.</p>
<p>Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Thursday virtually confirmed that a sexual assault was attempted by Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal on a junior colleague at a Goa resort.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Tejpal has been accused of sexual misconduct by a junior colleague at Tehelka during a high-profile conference held in Goa earlier this month. Tejpal, who has not denied the charges, stepped down as the editor-in-chief of the weekly news magazine, calling it "atonement" for his actions.<br /><br />Parrikar, however, said the complainant would have to come forward and complain for police to file a First Information Report (FIR).<br /><br />Parrikar blamed the incident on Tejpal's "individual weakness". "From what I see, there was definitely an attempt. There are emails sent by the girl which are on the internet," said Parrikar, whose government has ordered a preliminary inquiry into the incident.<br /><br />The chief minister said a complaint from the victim would be vital for filing an FIR.<br />"Progress of the inquiry will depend on whether the complainant registers a complaint. Because it is a body offence, the complainant has to have a role. Unless I have a complaint, I cannot prove guilt," Parrikar said.<br /><br />The chief minister also justified a preliminary probe, claiming that if a "criminal offence happens in the jurisdiction of the state, we are required to investigate it".<br />"Based on the report of the preliminary inquiry, further action will be taken. <br /><br />Preliminary inquiry does not require a complaint from anyone," Parrikar said.<br />Parrikar also said the Goa State Women's Commission could also take up the matter suo motu.<br /><br />"My information indicates that there is a complaint with the women's commission in Delhi and I also have knowledge that the Goa Women's Commission is also considering a suo motu probe in the issue," the chief minister said.<br /><br />Parrikar questioned Tejpal's "atonement" philosophy, after the editor decided to recuse himself from the post of editor for six months after issuing a public apology about the incident.<br /><br />"I don't blame the event. It's a weakness of an individual. If you have a weakness, then you can't say that I am out of business for six months," Parrikar said.</p>