Tarun Tejpal is an Indian journalist, publisher, and novelist. He is perhaps best known as the founder and former editorinchief of Tehelka, an investigative news magazine that gained prominence in the early 2000s for its undercover sting operations exposing corruption in Indian politics and administration. Tejpal's career in journalism began in the 1980s, and he worked for several prominent publications before launching Tehelka in 2000. The magazine quickly established itself as a disruptive force in Indian media, challenging established norms and holding powerful figures accountable.

Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Tejpal is also an author. He has written two novels, "The Alchemy of Desire" (2005) and "The Story of My Assassins" (2009), which have been translated into multiple languages and received critical acclaim for their exploration of contemporary Indian society and its complexities. His writing often delves into themes of power, corruption, and the human condition.

While Tejpal achieved considerable success and recognition for his work in journalism and literature, his career has also been marked by controversy. He stepped down from his role at Tehelka in 2013 following allegations of sexual assault. This event led to a prolonged legal battle and significantly impacted his public image and professional standing. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Tarun Tejpal remains a notable figure in Indian media and literature, known for his contributions to investigative journalism and his explorations of Indian society through his novels.