Internal rift at Tehelka following rape charges against Tarun Tejpal; four journalists quit, while others defend brand

Four journalists have reportedly served their resignation papers following accusations of rape against the founding father Tarun Tejpal by a female employee. Following their resignations, senior journalists Revati Laul and Jay Mazoomdaar, addressed the media and also tweeted about their displeasure on the handling of the complaint by the senior management, particularly Shoma Chaudhary.

@aparna_jain @karunanundy I tried quitting earlier, it wasn't accepted. After the abuse I quit over it said so in my resignation

— Revati Laul (@RevatiLaul) November 22, 2013

Of little consequence but terminated Tehelka consultancy today. Wish Tehelka journalists strength and hope she gets best possible closure.

— jay mazoomdaar (@mazoomdaar) November 22, 2013

Others who, reportedly, have terminated their relationships with the tainted organisation are Shougat Dasgupta and Pakistan-based writer Ayesha Siddiqa. On the other hand, many other Tehelka journalists are veraciously defending their work and brand which has come under severe attack. They maintained support for the victim, while simultaneously expressing shock at the situation.

Rana Ayyub has been incessantly tweeting her solidarity towards the organisation:

Institution and its iconic investigative work above individuals

— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) November 23, 2013

Tehelka is an idea. And that idea continues to be as relevant as it was yesterday. No institution can be undermined by the action (cont)

— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) November 23, 2013

of an individual no matter who that is. And an institution should never be expected to pay the price for an individual. (Cont)

— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) November 23, 2013

This is now a criminal investigation and the act of the individual must be investigated and punished..swiftly (cont)

— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) November 23, 2013

The idea belongs to many of us& mostly importantly our readers. Idea of Tehelka too big, far 2 relevant & worth preserving at any cost    

— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) November 23, 2013

The idea belongs to many of us& mostly importantly our readers. Idea of Tehelka too big, far 2 relevant & worth preserving at any cost    

— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) November 23, 2013

Another journalist Kunal Majumder also expressed his shock and support:

Two points. 1) Justice must be done. 2) I rather go down fighting for what I believe in rather than be a rat jumping a sinking ship

— Kunal Majumder (@kunalmajumder) November 22, 2013

Silence not because of my designation but because the victim is a dear colleague. For u this is a story, for me it's my life and my friend

— Kunal Majumder (@kunalmajumder) November 22, 2013

Shocked I am at someone I looked up to but I'm disgusted the way hypocrisy in media and politics prevails.

— Kunal Majumder (@kunalmajumder) November 22, 2013

Majumder has also started an online petition requesting media houses and individuals to protect the privacy of the victim. Many media outlets took the liberty to publish the victim's name as well as the complete texts of the emails that contain many other private details. Majumder also wrote a letter to Press Council of India Chairman Markhandey Katju requesting him to reverse his decision against issuing any advisory to the media with regards to naming the victim.