Jawaharlal Nehru University has swiftly acted against professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam following grave allegations of sexual harassment
NEW DELHI: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has dismissed professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam of Centre for the Study of Social Systems with immediate effect following an inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment levelled against the teacher by 11 students. An order issued by the university Friday and signed by vice-chancellor Santishree D Pandit said the decision was taken after following the due process and considering the findings of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which had recommended a major penalty against the professor under Central Civil Services (classification, control and appeal) Rules, 1965.
Official sources said there had been a disagreement within the committee over the nature of the penalty to be recommended. Akoijam is also the Congress MP from Inner Manipur constituency in Manipur. The committee submitted its report to the vice-chancellor Friday afternoon. student representatives declined to sign 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 students allegedly complained about 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. The professor didn’t respond to TOI’s queries about the university’s decision. There was also no immediate response from Congress.
