Delhi Police paste notice at Congress MP's home in JNU case
Delhi Police served a notice to Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, pasting it at his residence, following sexual harassment allegations by 11 JNU students.
In a significant escalation of the sexual harassment investigation involving a Member of Parliament, the Delhi Police have served a formal notice to Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. Officers from the Vasant Kunj North Police Station went as far as pasting the notice outside his New Delhi residence, directing him to join the ongoing probe under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The case stems from serious allegations made by 11 female students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) against Akoijam, who was a professor associated with the Centre for the Study of Social Systems at the university's School of Social Sciences.
The Investigation and Police Action
The police action follows the registration of an FIR on October 11 at the Vasant Kunj North police station. The complaint was lodged by JNU's Chief Security Officer, citing various sections of the BNS, including Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv), and 79. The investigation is currently active as authorities seek to uncover the details of the alleged misconduct.
The university's internal proceedings had already reached a decisive stage. On October 9, JNU dismissed Akoijam from his service with immediate effect. This decision followed a recommendation for major punishment by the university's Internal Committee after an inquiry conducted under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework.
Political Storm and NCW Intervention
The allegations have triggered a massive political confrontation. A delegation of BJP Mahila Morcha leaders, including National President and MP Roop Kumari Chaudhary, met with the National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson, Vijaya K Rahatkar, to demand urgent action and ensure the safety of the complainants.
Speaking after the meeting, Chaudhary accused the Congress party of shielding the MP. "Once the investigation found him guilty, he was fired, but under Congress’s protection, Congress leaders haven’t said a single word about him yet," Chaudhary stated, alleging that the MP's political influence has prevented internal party disciplinary action.
The BJP delegation has also taken the matter to the highest levels of government, submitting a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan seeking strict legal consequences.
The MP's Defense and Allegations of Procedural Lapses
While the police and political opponents press for accountability, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has hit back at the university administration. The Congress MP has raised several concerns regarding the fairness of the inquiry, claiming:
- Lack of Transparency: He alleged that the JNU administration failed to provide him with a copy of the inquiry report, which he claims is essential for his right to appeal.
- Breach of Confidentiality: Akoijam claimed there was a violation of Section 16 of the POSH Act, alleging that his identity was disclosed prematurely to the public.
- Procedural Errors: He criticized the handling of the inquiry, citing "grave procedural lapses" and unauthorized media leaks.
As the Delhi Police move forward with the criminal investigation, the focus remains on the protection of the 11 students and whether the legal process will hold the high-profile accused to account.