Principal and Sessions Judge at North Goa sessions Court, Anuja Prabhudesai rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Tehelka founder-editor Tarun Tejpa a shortwhile ago. Tejpal has been accused of rape, by a female colleague.

Sessions Judge Prabhudesai passed the order after hearing both defence and prosecution arguments.

AIR Panaji correspondent reports Tejpal is already at Crime Branch Office at Dona Paula near Panaji and his arrest is imminent.

Earlier, Public Prosecutor Saresh Lotlikar in his arguments had contended that prima facie a case is established against Tejpal and so the police want his custodial interrogation. Lotlikar said the CCTV footage of the hotel in Goa where the incident occurred early this month gives enough hints confirming the allegation of rape.

The public prosecutor also argued that Tejpal was not available for Goa Police and appeared only after getting interim relief from court.

Tejpal's lawyer Geeta Luthra argued that Tejpal is ready to stay in Goa till the time it is required by the investigating agency. She ruled out the possibility of Tejpal fleeing the country.