New Delhi: Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has been summoned by Delhi Police for questioning on Thursday, October 15, in connection with sexual harassment allegations against him involving students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on October 11 following a complaint by JNU Chief Security Officer. According to officials, the case was registered at Vasant Kunj North police station under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Akoijam, a Congress MP and former JNU professor who was dismissed by the university, has been named in the FIR. Police said the matter is under investigation, and the MP has been called for questioning as part of the probe.
The allegations against Akoijam have also triggered a political controversy, with the BJP demanding action from the Congress leadership and questioning its response to the case.
At Least 11 Female Students Reportedly Filed Complaints
According to media reports, at least 11 female students lodged complaints of sexual harassment against Akoijam in May.
The complaints alleged that he invited students to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also accused him of making obscene and inappropriate remarks in the classroom.
The allegations were reportedly examined during an inquiry preceding the university’s decision to dismiss him. The subsequent police investigation is examining the matter following the registration of the FIR.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the police have summoned Akoijam to question him in connection with the case.
BJP Questions Congress Leadership and Rahul Gandhi
The case has intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress. BJP leaders have questioned the Congress leadership, particularly Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, over the party’s response to the allegations against Akoijam.
The BJP has also referred to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on fighting patriarchy, questioning whether his stated position is reflected in the party’s handling of the case.
The party has demanded action against the Congress MP and raised concerns over his continuation as a parliamentarian in light of the allegations.
BJP Leaders Seek Action Against Congress MP
On October 14, BJP leaders and a delegation approached the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by its chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, submitting a memorandum seeking action against Akoijam.
Earlier, on October 13, a delegation of BJP women parliamentarians met President Droupadi Murmu to draw attention to the allegations against the Congress MP.
The delegation urged the President to consider the matter and argued that the charges warranted action, including Akoijam stepping down from his parliamentary position.
The developments have added a political dimension to the case as Delhi Police proceed with their investigation. Akoijam’s questioning is expected to form part of the ongoing probe into the complaints and allegations linked to the JNU campus.