Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has criticized Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration for what he describes as serious procedural lapses and confidentiality breaches in the inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against him, following his dismissal.
Akoijam said he was formally notified of the conclusion of the internal proceedings but highlighted significant omissions in the communication of the findings. He stated, “I got a mail on the 9th from the IC, which is ICC in JNU, saying that the investigation is closed now. They are supposed to submit a report which includes findings and recommendations. The report was submitted, seemingly not to me.”
He added that the lack of access to the report hindered his ability to pursue legal remedies, explaining, “On the same day, within a few hours’ time, the dismissal notice was issued by the Vice Chancellor… After the report is submitted, it should be given to the parties involved, the complainant as well as the respondent. They have a window period of 30 days to appeal, to question if you are not happy, disagreement you are supposed to express.”
Akoijam accused university officials of violating confidentiality rules, stating that his identity was leaked prematurely, which he said provoked public hostility. “I didn’t get the report of the IC. Even for appealing, I didn’t get the report… These reports are not supposed to be leaked out under Section 16 of the POSH Act. What they have done is that that is not new. They have already revealed my name. And there was a trial by media, and everybody in this country, especially on the mainland, they perfectly find it all right.”
He further criticized the administration’s public statements and handling of the appeal process, alleging, “The appeal is to be heard by the VC and she herself, then went on for the next two days to the media houses, telling blatant lies. For instance, she said she has written 300 emails.” He added, “All the rules are broken… All kinds of things have been going on, and every day everybody is self-righteously pointing fingers at me… Do you think by simply calling me names, I’ll become one?”
Akoijam denies the sexual harassment allegations and describes them as politically motivated. JNU dismissed him with immediate effect on October 9 following an inquiry under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework. The university’s Internal Committee recommended major punishment based on its findings. Akoijam was associated with the Center for the Study of Social Systems at the School of Social Sciences. Eleven female students at JNU made the allegations against him.
Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on October 11, based on a complaint from the Chief Security Officer of JNU. The FIR was filed at Vasant Kunj North Police Station under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police confirmed that investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, a delegation of women MPs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including Lok Sabha MPs Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Bansuri Swaraj, Malvika Devi, Rajya Sabha MPs S. Phangnon Konyak, Geeta Shakya, and BJP leader Rekha Sharma, met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan to submit a memorandum calling for strict action against the Congress MP. They sought constitutional intervention to ensure accountability and the protection of female students in higher education.
After the meeting, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj criticized the Congress party, alleging it shielded the accused. She said, “Yesterday, BJP’s women workers were holding a very peaceful demonstration outside the Congress headquarters, but ‘Smash the Patriarchy’ is a very hollow slogan for Congress. Their national office-bearer, Sanjeev Singh, carried out an unprovoked physical assault. He repeatedly raised his hands on our women workers, behaved indecently, and used obscenities. This is Congress’s hypocrisy.” She added, “Their own leadership raises hands on women journalists, raises hands on women police officers. Their office-bearers raise hands on BJP’s women workers, but BJP’s women workers will not bow down before Congress’s thuggery. The echo of the 11 JNU women students doesn’t seem to be reaching Rahul Gandhi’s ears, but we will ensure they get justice.”
Former National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma alleged that several female students faced severe harassment under the pretext of academic interaction. She said, “Not just one, but several young girls were subjected to this. They were shown clips from different movies and asked personal questions like, ‘If you are in a relationship, what kind of relationship is it? Can you explain that to me?’ Extremely vulgar and indecorous language was used while speaking to these girls. They were sexually harassed. Not one, not two, but 11 girls were sexually harassed.”