Panaji, Nov 22 (IANS): Goa Police will conduct a preliminary enquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct levelled by a journalist against editor-in-chief of Tehelka news weekly Tarun Tejpal, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said Thursday.

Parrikar told IANS that if the preliminary enquiry reveals that the incident took place in Goa, formal charges would be filed.

"I have asked the police to conduct a preliminary enquiry. Right now we do not have an clear indication if the incident happened in Goa," Parrikar said.

"If the enquiry reveals that the incident took place here, then we will proceed further as per the law," the chief minister said.

Tejpal has been accused of sexual misconduct by a junior colleague at Tehelka during a high-profile conference held in Goa earlier this month.

Tejpal, who has not denied the charges, stepped down as the editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper, calling it "atonement" for his actions.