New Delhi, Oct 14 — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday met National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar and submitted a memorandum seeking action against Congress MP and sacked Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam over sexual harassment allegations made by 11 female students.
BJP Mahila Morcha National President, Roop Kumari Choudhary, speaking to the reporters after meeting the NCW chairperson, said, "We met the National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson today. Five MPs and our Mahila Morcha office-bearers were also present. We urged her to take cognisance of the recent incident at JNU, involving a Congress MP from Manipur and former JNU professor Dr Bimol Akoijam."
"Eleven female students had shown great courage by submitting written complaints alleging misconduct by him. The university's Internal Committee upheld the complaints following an enquiry. He has been dismissed from the university, but the Congress party and its leaders have not said a word about the matter. Because this person is very powerful and has the protection of the party, we have considered the safety and security of those 11 students," she said.
Taking aim at the party, Choudhary said, "Ideally, Congress should have removed him from the party and the post, keeping the safety of the students in mind. However, no step has been taken yet. That is why we sought the NCW's intervention."
Meanwhile, Delhi Police have issued a notice to Professor Akoijam in connection with the sexual harassment allegations, and he has been summoned for questioning on Thursday.
Delhi Police registered an FIR based on a complaint from JNU's Chief Security Officer on October 11. According to the officials, the FIR was registered at the Vasant Kunj North police station under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Professor Akoijam was named in the FIR.
Officials said that the Delhi Police are investigating the matter.
According to media reports, at least 11 female students lodged sexual harassment complaints against Professor Akoijam in May. The complaints alleged that he had invited students to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks in the classroom.
The allegations and complaints were reported to have been examined as part of the enquiry that preceded the university's decision to dismiss him.
Earlier on Tuesday, a delegation of BJP women Parliamentarians met President Droupadi Murmu, seeking action against the MP.
The BJP women MPs drew the President's attention to grave charges against him and explained why he is unfit to be a Parliamentarian and must step down from his position.
Following the meeting, BJP Mahila Morcha President Roop Kumari Choudhary said that the delegation also urged President Murmu to ensure that the students, who came out and raised their voice against the sexual harassment, are safe.