Jail authorities seize mobile phone from Tarun Tejpal

PANAJI: Jail authorities seized nine mobile phones, including one from the cell of Tehelka founder editor Tarun Tejpal, during a raid at the Sada sub-jail near Vasco town today.

Deputy Collector Gaurish Shankhwalkar told reporters here today that a surprise raid was conducted this morning in the Sada sub-jail.

"We found nine mobile phones, including one in Tejpal's custody," he said.

However, jail authorities refused to state whether the mobile phone was carried by Tejpal. They also refused to disclose anything about whom Tejpal shares his judicial lock-up cell.

Shankhwalkar said that a detailed probe into the incident which has been initiated, would reveal the truth.

Tejpal who is accused of raping his junior colleague has been lodged in the Sada sub-jail. His bail petition is scheduled to be heard by the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court on March 4.