Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury resigned early Thursday. Her statement on the news magazine's website said, "I do not want questions raised about my integrity to tarnish the image of Tehelka."

 

 Chaudhary's resignation came 10 days after a woman journalist with the news magazine first wrote to her and accused founder-editor Tarun Tejpal of sexual assault, and amid allegations that she had failed to support the woman journalist.

 

 In her resignation letter, Chaudhury, however, said she had "taken a series of actions in response to this (the junior journalist's) complaint". She said: "To my mind, I acted on instant outrage and solidarity for our colleague as a woman and co-worker."

 

 She added: "I could have done many things differently and in a more measured way, I reject the allegations of a cover-up because in no way could the first actions that were taken be deemed suppression of any kind."

 

 The National Commission for Women had asked her to explain in detail the measures she took to redress the sexual harassment complaint filed against Tejpal.

 

 Chaudhury also said in her letter that "things have been misconstrued and have snowballed exponentially in the media, based on half-facts and selective leaks", referring to much publicised sexual assault case.