A local court on Wednesday rejected the bail petition of Tehelka founder-editor Tarun Tejpal, who is currently in judicial custody for allegedly raping a woman journalist.

District and Sessions Judge Anuja Prabhudesai on Wednesday dismissed the bail application filed by Mr. Tejpal.

The 50-year-old journalist was arrested on November 30 in Goa after a woman journalist alleged that he raped her in the lift of a five-star hotel during an event on November 7 and 8 last year.

The judge on Wednesday pronounced the single sentence order dismissing the bail.

During the arguments, the lawyer representing Mr. Tejpal had said that his custody was not required for the investigating agency, as they have recorded all the statements.

However, government lawyer expressed fears that Mr. Tejpal might influence witnesses if he is released on bail.