‘POSH is not a Chinese act’: Sacked JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam alleges 'witch hunt', demands evidence

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, dismissed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following an inquiry into sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by 11 students, has described the development as a “blessing in disguise”, alleging that it would expose what he called a “witch hunt”.In his first response to the dismissal, Akoijam said he had not received the inquiry report or the dismissal order and demanded that the evidence against him be made public.“I don't want to respond to social media. If this (incident) is true, it is a blessing in disguise for me, as I wanted these people to come out without their masks,” he said.“The POSH Act, 2013, is not a Chinese Act; it is an Indian law passed by the Indian Parliament. Let the countrymen see its requirements,” he added.Akoijam also said he had nothing to hide and called for the allegations and supporting evidence to be presented to him.“For me, this is the best thing that could happen to expose this 'witch hunt'. I have nothing to hide, even if it is true. I don't have the report or the dismissal order. I may look Chinese but I am an Indian and the Indian law should apply to me. If there are allegations then show me the evidence in the report or anywhere. Only then will you understand how this witch hunt has been going on. If it is true, let me see it,” he said.Why was Akoijam dismissed by JNU?JNU dismissed Akoijam, a professor at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, with immediate effect on Friday after considering the findings of its Internal Committee (IC), which recommended a major penalty under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965.The dismissal order, signed by vice-chancellor Santishree D Pandit, said the decision was taken after following due process and considering the committee's report.The complaints against Akoijam were submitted on May 18. TOI first reported the complaints on September 6.Official sources said there was a disagreement within the inquiry committee over the recommended penalty. While the presiding officer and other members favoured a major penalty, student representatives reportedly supported a lesser punishment. The report was submitted with dissent after consultations with lawyers, sources said.Allegations against AkoijamThe allegations reportedly came to light after a student shared her account of an alleged interaction during a viva examination in a students-only WhatsApp group. Other students subsequently came forward with similar complaints.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.Akoijam is a Congress MP from the Inner Manipur constituency in Manipur and specialises in social and political psychology and cultural studies at JNU.(With inputs from PTI)You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in DelhiStay updated with the latest Delhi news. Download the TOI App.