BJP Demands Action Against JNU Professor Accused of Sexual Harassment

New Delhi, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : A delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met with National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Wednesday, urging action against Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and a Congress MP. The professor has been accused of sexual harassment by 11 students.

Rup Kumari Chaudhary, the national president of the BJP’s women’s wing, spoke to reporters after the meeting. “We requested the NCW to take cognizance of the recent incident involving Dr. Bimol Akoijam, who previously held a position at JNU,” she stated.

Chaudhary praised the courage of the 11 students who filed written complaints against the professor. Following an internal investigation, the university’s committee found the allegations to be valid, leading to Akoijam’s dismissal from the university. However, she criticized the Congress party for remaining silent on the matter, suggesting that the influential professor is receiving protection from his party.

“Congress should have ideally removed him from the party and his position, considering the safety of the students. Yet, no action has been taken, prompting us to seek intervention from the NCW,” Chaudhary added.

In a related development, the Delhi Police issued a notice to Professor Akoijam in connection with the sexual harassment allegations and summoned him for questioning on Thursday. The police registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint from the chief security officer of JNU on October 11. The FIR was filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code at the Vasant Kunj North police station, naming Akoijam.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Reports indicate that at least 11 students lodged complaints against Akoijam in May, alleging that he had summoned them to his residence under the pretext of meetings or events and attempted sexual harassment. Some students also claimed that he made inappropriate comments in the classroom. The university’s decision to dismiss him followed an investigation into these allegations.