JNU prof and Congress MP dismissed over sexual abuse

New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University dismissed Professor and Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from services with immediate effect on Friday after an inquiry into the sexual harassment allegations against him, according to an official order. There was no immediate reaction from Akoijam, the Congress MP from Inner Manipur.

The order stated that the university's Internal Committee conducted an inquiry into the allegations and recommended major punishment based on its findings. "Upon following the due process and considering all available facts and as per the report of the Internal Committee, the punishment of dismissal from the services of the university is hereby imposed," the order signed by Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit said.

Akoijam was a professor at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems under JNU's School of Social Sciences. According to reports, at least 11 female students filed sexual harassment complaints against the professor in May this year. The complaints alleged that Akoijam invited students to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students had also alleged that he used to make obscene and inappropriate remarks in the class.

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The Hans India