Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has rejected the sexual harassment allegations against him following his dismissal from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), describing the action as a “witch hunt” and accusing the university of acting like a “khap panchayat”.
Akoijam, who served as a professor at JNU’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems under the School of Social Sciences, was dismissed with immediate effect on October 9 following an internal inquiry into the allegations. The university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) reportedly found the charges substantiated.
Speaking to reporters in Imphal on Tuesday, the Congress MP questioned the allegations and disputed claims that he had sought sexual favours in exchange for marks.
“They alleged that I asked for sex in exchange for marks. Is that even mentioned in the leaked allegations? It is not there, nor is it in the complaint,” Akoijam said.
He also questioned the number and eligibility of the complainants, saying that the allegations involved 15 students out of a group of 97, including male students. He raised questions about whether male students could file complaints under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, commonly known as the POSH Act.
Akoijam alleged that the university had disregarded established procedures while dealing with the case. He further claimed that he was not given an opportunity to respond to the committee’s findings before the decision to dismiss him.
“This is nothing but harassment,” he said, adding that he would challenge the university’s actions in court.
The MP maintained that a judicial examination of the case would bring the alleged procedural lapses to light. He accused the university of failing to follow the prescribed rules and regulations and said the merits of the allegations should be examined.
Akoijam also referred to what he described as the treatment of people from the Northeast, questioning whether similar action would have been taken against a politically influential person from mainland India.
He said he would return to Manipur after serving the country and would have to reconnect with his roots.
The latest developments came a day after Delhi Police registered a case against Akoijam following a complaint lodged by the JNU administration.
According to reports, at least 11 women students had filed sexual harassment complaints against him in May. The complainants allegedly accused the professor of inviting students to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempting to sexually harass them. Some also alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks in class.
The allegations have triggered a political confrontation, with the BJP accusing Akoijam of seeking sexual favours in exchange for marks, a charge he has denied.
BJP Steps Up Protest, Women MPs to Meet President
Meanwhile, a delegation of BJP women MPs is expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday over the issue, according to sources.
On Monday, members of the BJP’s women’s wing marched towards the Congress headquarters in Delhi, demanding action against Akoijam. The protesters burnt effigies of the Congress MP and Rahul Gandhi, questioning the Congress leadership’s position on women’s safety and its claims of fighting patriarchy.
They also criticised Rahul Gandhi for what they described as his silence on the matter and demanded accountability and justice for the complainants.