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Portray him as…a rapist: Tarun Tejpal's daughter alleges political targeting
Cara Tejpal says her father's conviction was a way to silence his journalism; she urges the public to read the case facts. The Bombay High Court convicted him last week.
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Cara Tejpal, daughter of former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, said her father's conviction was tied to his investigative journalism. She called the rape allegation a tool to "silence" him.
In a statement issued Saturday, Cara linked the case to Tehelka's reporting on corruption and alleged wrongdoing by those in power.
"Tarun Tejpal was more than a thorn in the side of the BJP government, and what better way to silence him than to portray him as the most reviled of all sinners – a rapist," the statement said.
Cara said she had examined the evidence for 13 years and was convinced of her father's innocence. She said she did not care if she was called a "rape apologist" or the "child of a rapist."
"I was 23 years old when my father was arrested. I was 31 when he was acquitted, and today, at 36, I stand by him as he is convicted by the Bombay High Court on the basis of a false allegation of rape filed suo moto by the state of Goa," she said.
Cara said she had been "terrified of speaking the truth" when her father was arrested and was deeply affected by media coverage. She said she was no longer willing to remain silent.