Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has been dismissed from Jawaharlal Nehru University due to sexual harassment allegations.
NEW DELHI: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Friday dismissed Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam of the Centre for the Study of Social Systems with immediate effect following an inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by 11 students. An order issued by the university on Friday and signed by vice-chancellor Santishree D Pandit said the decision was taken after considering the findings of the Internal Committee (IC), which had recommended a major penalty against the professor under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965.
“Upon following the due process and considering all available facts and as per the report of the Internal Committee (IC), the punishment of dismissal from the services of the University is hereby imposed on the professor,” the order stated. The report was consequently submitted with dissent after consultations with lawyers, sources said. student representatives declined to sign off on the recommendation, favouring a lesser punishment While the presiding officer and other members favoured a major penalty. The matter reportedly came to light after a student shared her account of an alleged interaction during a viva examination in a students-only WhatsApp group, following which other students came forward with similar allegations. The complaints reportedly included allegations of sexually suggestive remarks during vivas and classes, inappropriate advances at gatherings at the professor’s on-campus residence, and offers of higher marks in exchange for sexual favours. TOI reached out to the professor seeking his response to the university’s decision, but he did not respond to queries till the time of going to press.