This Article is From Dec 01, 2013

Centre cannot interfere in Tehelka case: Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde

Centre cannot interfere in Tehelka case: Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde
Mumbai: Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today said the Centre cannot interfere in the alleged sexual assault case against Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal.

"Our government will not protect anyone who is guilty. It is a matter of a state and it is in court. We will not interfere," he said at an event in Mumbai today.

50-year-old Mr Tejpal was arrested last night on charges of raping his 28-year-old colleague during an event in Goa last month.

On being asked if the Congress government at the Centre was shielding Mr Tejpal, Mr Shinde said, "Anyone found guilty will not be spared."

"Earlier, the criticism was that laws are lax. Now, they say this is a very strict law. This government is committed to the protection of women," the Home Minister said in response to a question on the new anti-rape law.

In a much-panned defence, Mr Tejpal's lawyer had called the new anti-rape law "draconian".

Mr Shinde was also asked about the snooping allegations against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, to which he replied, "The Secretary at the Center or Home Secretary in the state have to give permission to tap calls. There will be an inquiry and any decision on action will be taken after that."

Mr Modi is accused of ordering the snooping and stalking of a woman architect and a senior IAS officer in Gujarat in 2009, a controversy that has engulfed the BJP's prime ministerial candidate in the middle of crucial elections.

The Home Minister was also asked about the rationalist Narendra Dabholkar's murder in August. "I met Dabholkar's family three days back. I have spoken to the Maharashtra government about it. They are trying their best," he said.

While the Maharashtra government had hinted at the involvement of Hindu right-wing groups in Mr Dabholkar's murder, cops in Pune earlier this week ruled out the allegation.
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