The Mormugao police are conducting an investigation following the recovery of a cellphone from the cell of Tarun Tejpal, journalist accused in a sexual assault case, in Sada Sub-Jail in Vasco. Cellphones were recovered from seven inmates during a routine inspection on Sunday.
A day later, jail authorities suspended the privileges allowed to Tejpal, founder Editor of Tehelka, such as visits by family members and use of telephone and canteen, Gaurish Shankhwalkar, Jail Superintendent in-charge, said.
He said the privileges would be restored if the investigation were to find that Tejpal was not in the wrong. His lawyer, however, was free to meet his client at will.
His bail application will come up for hearing on March 4 in the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court.
PTI adds:
The prison officials during a routine check had found seven mobiles in the jail, including one under the bedding used by Mr. Tejpal.
The authorities later filed a formal complaint with Mormugao police against him.
Mr. Shankwalkar said the facility of meeting family members is extended to the prisoners after they furnish a list of whom they want to meet. They can meet them twice a week on Tuesday and Friday between 3 to 5.30 p.m.
Replying to a question, Mr. Shankhwalkar said Mr. Tejpal’s lawyer can meet his client whenever he wants.
The 50-year-old journalist has been behind bars for allegedly raping a junior woman colleague during an event in Goa in November last year.
