Team Goemkarponn
COLVALE: Former journalist Tarun Tejpal and three accused in the Arpora nightclub fire case were sent to Central Jail, Colvale, on Monday after surrendering before the Mapusa Additional District and Sessions Court in separate proceedings.
Tejpal surrendered to serve his 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence in the 2013 alleged rape case involving his former colleague. The court accepted his surrender following the Supreme Court’s direction and ordered that he be taken into custody and sent to Colvale jail.
Speaking to the media after surrendering, Tejpal said, “We are in the Supreme Court, and we are sure justice will come.”
During the proceedings, his counsel sought permission to carry basic personal requirements, including prescribed medicines, toiletries, slippers and books. The State did not oppose the medicines but submitted that other items should be permitted in accordance with the Goa Prisons Rules. The court allowed Tejpal to carry prescribed medicines, toiletry items and books.
In a separate case, Birch by Romeo Lane owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra and their business partner Ajay Gupta also surrendered before the court in connection with the Arpora nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives.
The three were sent to Central Jail, Colvale, in judicial custody after the Supreme Court dismissed their challenge to the Bombay High Court at Goa’s order cancelling their bail.
During their proceedings, counsel sought permission for certain items citing medical requirements. The court allowed the accused to have prescribed medicines, a mattress and a towel.
A request by the Luthra brothers for shoes was kept pending, with the investigating officer directed to file a reply.
Advocate Sowmya Drago, appearing for the Luthra brothers, said the application was supported by their medical records and a doctor’s prescription.
“The court allowed the medicines, mattress and towel. The application for shoes will be considered after the investigating officer files his reply,” Drago said.
Drago also said a fresh bail application for the Luthra brothers would be moved shortly.
The separate surrender proceedings resulted in Tejpal and the three nightclub fire accused being lodged at Central Jail, Colvale.
