JNU Dismisses Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam Amid Harassment Allegations
Following a university inquiry, Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has been dismissed from JNU, rejecting the allegations as a witch hunt.
Angomcha Bimol Akoijam was dismissed from JNU on October 9 after harassment allegations were substantiated.
He claims the accusations are unfounded and part of a politically motivated witch hunt.
At least 11 female students have filed complaints against him, alleging inappropriate behavior.
Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a Congress MP and former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), was dismissed from his position on October 9 following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment. The university's Internal Complaints Committee concluded that the claims against him were substantiated, leading to his immediate termination. Akoijam has publicly rejected these allegations, labeling them as a witch hunt orchestrated by a 'khap panchayat'.
The controversy surrounding Akoijam has escalated, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing him of engaging in 'sex for marks'. However, Akoijam contends that such claims were not part of the original complaints filed against him. He raised concerns about the legitimacy of the complainants, questioning how 15 out of 97 students, including male students, could be considered under the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.
In his defense, Akoijam criticized the university for allegedly failing to follow proper procedures during the inquiry. He stated that he was not given a fair chance to respond to the committee's findings and expressed his intention to challenge the university's actions in court. He believes that a thorough examination of the case will reveal flaws in the harassment charges against him.
The situation has drawn significant attention, particularly as Delhi Police have registered a case against Akoijam based on the complaints from the JNU administration. Reports indicate that at least 11 female students have accused him of inviting them to his residence under false pretenses and making inappropriate comments during classes.
As the controversy unfolds, the BJP's women's wing plans to meet with President Droupadi Murmu to discuss the matter further. Additionally, protests have erupted, with BJP members demanding accountability from Akoijam and questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's silence on the issue. The protests included burning effigies of Akoijam and Gandhi, highlighting the ongoing debate about women's rights and safety in educational institutions.
