A woman journalist accused Tarun Tejpal of sexually abusing her in a hotel elevator on November 7 and 8, 2013.

Investigative journalist and Tehelka magazine editor Tarun Tejpal, convicted of raping a junior colleague in 2013, says "he is a victim" and requests forgiveness.

Thursday's Bombay High Court Goa Bench verdict found Tarun Tejpal guilty of sexual assaulting his subordinate colleague in 2013.

The Bombay High Court's Goa bench ruled on the Goa government's appeal against Tejpal's acquittal in the 2021 Goa Sessions Court sexual assault case.Consider me a victim at 62. My wife is all I need to say. I can only say we can appeal. Grant me mercy. The rest is on record "Tejpal told the court.

A young lady, who requested anonymity, claimed Tejpal raped her twice in the hotel elevator on November 7 and 8 in 2013 during ThinkFest, the magazine's annual event. November 30 saw Tejpal's arrest.

Goa's Solicitor General Tushar Mehta claimed Tejpal "could not take a no for a no".

The judge inquired about additional cases against Tejpal.Tejpal's counsel maintained there was no FIR, complaint, or inappropriate behavior.

Tejpal addressed the court and requested mercy.

The Solicitor General asked the court to sentence Tejpal with maximum penalty, since he did not relent after the victim's refusal.Although the victim was his daughter's age, he committed a crime. He should not have done this as a father. Establish a precedent. He persisted for two days after the victim declined. This court must show society that girls mean no when they say no. "No means no," replied Mehta.