NEW DELHI, Oct. 14 -- Congress Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has strongly denied allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by female students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), describing his dismissal from the university as a politically motivated witch-hunt and questioning the fairness of the internal inquiry that led to his termination.
The controversy intensified after the university dismissed Akoijam from his teaching position on October 9 following an inquiry into complaints lodged by at least 11 students. Delhi Police subsequently registered a First Information Report (FIR) against him, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stepped up pressure on the Congress leadership to suspend the parliamentarian. Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur constituency in the Lok Sabha, has rejected the accusations and alleged that the university administration failed to follow proper procedures. He has also challenged claims that he refused to cooperate with the inquiry, maintaining that he submitted written responses, participated in the proceedings and produced witnesses in his defence. Responding to the controversy, Akoijam questioned the nature of the allegations against him and accused his critics of misrepresenting the complaints. He particularly disputed the suggestion that he had sought sexual favours from students in exchange for academic marks, asking whether such an accusation was actually contained in the complaints.
The Congress MP maintained that the allegations had been exaggerated in public discussions and that he had been subjected to a campaign intended to damage his reputation. He also questioned the manner in which confidential information relating to the university's inquiry had entered the public domain. Akoijam suggested that his treatment reflected prejudices against people from the northeastern states, asking whether a politically influential figure from another part of the country would have faced a similar response. He described the disciplinary proceedings as a witch-hunt and alleged that the university administration was acting under political influence. The MP has maintained that he intends to challenge the allegations and the process through which he was dismissed. JNU terminated Akoijam's services on October 9 following an investigation by its Internal Committee into allegations of sexual misconduct. The university said the committee had examined the complaints and recommended major disciplinary action against the professor.
According to university officials, approximately 11 female students submitted complaints in May concerning alleged inappropriate conduct during academic interactions, including viva examinations. The complaints reportedly involved allegations of sexually suggestive remarks, inappropriate personal interactions and conduct that the students considered unwelcome. The university's internal assessment referred to concerns about professional boundaries and the academic environment experienced by female students. In its dismissal order, the university said the disciplinary action had been taken after considering the committee's findings and following the applicable service rules. Akoijam was associated with the Centre for the Study of Social Systems at JNU's School of Social Sciences. His dismissal ended his employment with the university, although he continues to hold his elected position as a member of Parliament. The university's disciplinary findings are separate from the criminal investigation, and the allegations have not been established through a criminal conviction.
������ ������ �������� ������������������, �������� ��������������������
Meanwhile, a delegation of BJP women parliamentarians met President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday and demanded Akoijam's suspension from Parliament in connection with the allegations. The delegation, led by BJP Mahila Morcha president Roop Kumari Choudhary, urged the President to intervene and ensure appropriate action. The BJP has also demanded that the Congress leadership take disciplinary action against its MP.
Following the meeting, Choudhary said the President had assured the delegation that the matter would be examined and appropriate action taken. Her account of the assurance was not independently confirmed by the President's office. The BJP's women's wing had earlier organised a demonstration outside the Congress headquarters in Delhi, accusing the party of failing to respond adequately to the allegations. Protesters questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's silence and demanded accountability.
The BJP has sought to portray the controversy as a test of the Congress's commitment to women's safety, while Akoijam has accused his political opponents of exploiting the allegations to target him.
Delhi Police registered an FIR against Akoijam at Vasant Kunj North police station on October 11 following a complaint submitted by JNU's chief security officer. The case has been registered under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering allegations of sexual harassment and acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman. Police officials said the investigation was underway. The FIR followed the university's disciplinary proceedings but constitutes a separate criminal process. According to reports concerning the complaint, the alleged incidents took place between July 2025 and May 2026 at the university and other locations. The allegations concern the professor's interactions with female students during academic activities.
Akoijam has accused JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit of making misleading statements about his participation in the inquiry. He disputed claims that he had failed to cooperate with the proceedings, stating that he submitted a written response on May 31 and recorded his deposition on July 16. He also maintained that witnesses appearing on his behalf gave their depositions on August 14. The MP questioned the university administration's account of communications exchanged during the investigation. He claimed that he had received and responded to 43 emails from the internal committee, contradicting a reported assertion that approximately 300 communications had been sent. He has also questioned whether the committee adequately considered his defence and whether the inquiry complied with established procedural requirements.
The lawmaker said he would pursue legal remedies against his dismissal, maintaining that the accusations and the disciplinary process should be subjected to judicial scrutiny.
The controversy has drawn attention to the handling of sexual harassment complaints within universities, including the responsibilities of internal committees, confidentiality requirements and procedural protections for complainants and respondents.bThe university has defended its decision through the findings of its internal inquiry, while Akoijam has challenged both the substance of the allegations and the procedures followed. The matter has also acquired political significance because of Akoijam's position as a sitting Congress MP. The BJP is demanding parliamentary and party action, while the criminal investigation is continuing. No criminal conviction has been reported in the case. The outcome of the police investigation and any legal challenge to the university's dismissal order will be important in determining the next developments. The controversy is expected to remain under scrutiny as the BJP presses its demand for action and Akoijam prepares to challenge the university's decision.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.