Complete Tejpal trial in 60 days, prosecution tells court

The prosecution in the Tehelka rape case Friday moved a formal application seeking to fast track the trial within 60 days.

The application was moved to the trial court by Francis Tavora, public prosecutor. "Our prayer is that since this is a sensitive case involving an important personality, the trial should be completed within 60 days," Tavora said.

A junior colleague accused former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal of rape during ThinkFest, a high profile conference organised by the Tehelka founder in Goa. The victim claimed that she was sexually assaulted twice Nov 7 and 8.

After an investigation, the Crime Branch charged Tejpal under sections 354, 354-A (sexual harassment), 341 and 342 (wrongful restrain), 376 (rape), 376(2)(f) and 376 (2)(k) (taking advantage of one's official position and committing rape in one's custody).

Tejpal, whose bail was denied by the Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court last week, was also booked in two separate cases for intimidation of the investigating officer and possession of a mobile phone in jail, which is a violation of prison rules.