JNU dismisses professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam over sexual harassment allegations

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has dismissed Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, the Congress MP representing Inner Manipur in the Lok Sabha, following an inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment, according to a university order.

The dismissal order, signed by JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree D. Pandit, states that the university’s Internal Committee (IC) conducted an inquiry into allegations against Akoijam, who was associated with the Centre for the Study of Social Systems in the School of Social Sciences.

“Based on the findings, the Internal Committee (IC) recommended Major Punishment to Prof. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam,” the order stated, citing the applicable service rules.

After following due process and considering the available facts and the committee’s report, the university imposed the punishment of dismissal from service with immediate effect, the order said.

Akoijam was elected to the Lok Sabha from Inner Manipur in the 2024 general election as a candidate of the Indian National Congress. Before entering Parliament, he worked as an academic at JNU, specialising in social and political psychology and cultural studies.

According to earlier reports, 11 female students had accused him of sexual harassment. The university’s latest order confirms that disciplinary action was taken following an internal inquiry.

The order does not detail the individual allegations or the committee’s specific findings. Akoijam’s dismissal from university service takes effect immediately, according to the document.