BJP today questioned the "conspicuous silence" of some leaders on the sexual assault of a journalist by former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, saying they were very vocal on the rape and murder of Nirbhaya last year but are not speaking out now.

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said on his Facebook page that Tejpal's assault of a young journalist has led to an outrage similar to the one seen when the "inhuman and brutal rape and murder" of Nirbhaya took place last December.

Without naming the Congress, he said some leaders have been silent on the Tejpal case. The BJP has alleged that Tejpal is close to the Congress and hence the ruling party is not criticising him.