Judicial Magistrate First Class in Panaji, Goa, has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Tehelka Editor-in-Chief Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a journalist. Police approached the magistrate last evening with the request in this regard after Tejpal failed to appear before them by 3 p.m. despite being summoned.

Police rejected Tejpal’s request for more time to appear before them as per the summons served on him on Wednesday night. His lawyers informed the police late last evening that he would join the investigation on Friday.

Three hours ahead of the deadline, Tejpal sent a fax message, seeking exemption from appearance till Saturday on the plea that he needed time to travel to Goa. However, considering the seriousness of the crime, the investigating officer did not accept the request. Our Panaji correspondent reports that with the rejection of Tejpal's request for extension of time limit for appearing before the Police and issuance of a non bailable warrant his arrest has become imminent.

It is learnt that Mr. Tejpal is planning to move a bail application in a session’s court in Goa. It is likely to be moved this morning before a single-judge Bench. According to legal sources, Mr. Tejpal may also move a plea for transfer of the case out of Goa.

A team of Goa police along with Crime Branch personnel of the Delhi Police today raided the residence of Tarun Tejpal in South Delhi.