JNU sexual harassment case: Delhi Police files FIR against Congress MP Akoijam
Synopsis
Delhi Police have registered a criminal FIR against Congress MP and sacked JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, days after at least 11 female students accused him of sexual harassment. With the university's POSH inquiry already leading to his dismissal, the case now enters the criminal justice system — and the Congress leadership's continued silence is under sharp scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police registered an FIR against Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam at Vasant Kunj North police station on 11 October 2026 .
The FIR was filed under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) , based on a complaint from JNU's Chief Security Officer .
At least 11 female students had filed sexual harassment complaints against Akoijam in May , alleging harassment at his campus residence and inappropriate remarks in class.
JNU's Internal Committee under the POSH Act conducted a detailed probe and recommended Akoijam's dismissal; the university has since terminated his appointment.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj publicly challenged Rahul Gandhi over the Congress leadership's silence on the matter.
Delhi Police are currently investigating; further developments in the criminal case are awaited.
Delhi Police registered an FIR on 11 October 2026 against Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in connection with sexual harassment allegations at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), following a complaint from the university's Chief Security Officer. The case was registered at the Vasant Kunj North police station under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Background to the Allegations
According to media reports, at least 11 female students filed sexual harassment complaints against Akoijam in May. The complaints alleged that he had invited students to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks inside the classroom.
The complaints were reportedly examined as part of an institutional enquiry, which ultimately led to Akoijam's dismissal from JNU. He had been serving as a professor at the university alongside his role as a sitting Member of Parliament.
JNU's Internal Inquiry and Dismissal
JNU constituted an Internal Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act to probe the complaints. According to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Bansuri Swaraj, the committee, after a detailed investigation, recommended Akoijam's immediate dismissal. The university subsequently terminated his appointment. Delhi Police are now investigating the matter, and further details are awaited.
BJP Turns Political Heat on Congress
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj sharply attacked the Congress leadership over its silence on the case. She said: 'Today, while we are worshipping Maa Shailputri, I am bringing a very serious issue concerning the daughters of this country before you. JNU has dismissed Congress MP Bimol Akoijam from his job over allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2024, not one or two, but 11 students filed sexual harassment complaints against him.'
Swaraj challenged Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over his earlier 'Smash the Patriarchy' remark, stating: 'Is 'Smash the Patriarchy' only a political rhetoric for you? It seems that this incident is reflecting the hypocrisy of Congress. For them, feminism starts with a hashtag and ends when it comes to accountability.'
She further argued that the silence of the Congress high command — including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sonia Gandhi — amounted to tacit support for the alleged conduct, adding: 'Being silent over this incident means that they are somewhere supporting the conduct of the alleged sexual predator.'
Congress Yet to Respond
As of the time of reporting, neither the Congress party nor any of its senior leadership had issued a formal statement on the FIR or the allegations against Akoijam. The party's silence has drawn criticism from opposition circles, with BJP questioning whether the Congress's stated commitment to women's rights extends to internal accountability.
What Happens Next
Delhi Police are actively investigating the FIR. The case is likely to intensify scrutiny on the Congress party's handling of misconduct allegations against its own elected members, as well as on the efficacy of POSH frameworks in higher education institutions. With the matter now firmly in the criminal justice system, developments are expected in the coming weeks.
Point of View
Not institutional silence. The BJP's invocation of Rahul Gandhi's 'Smash the Patriarchy' rhetoric is pointed precisely because it targets the credibility gap between stated values and internal accountability. For a party that has made gender justice a campaign theme, the optics of silence — across the entire Gandhi-Kharge leadership — risk cementing a narrative of selective feminism. The real question now is whether the criminal process proceeds without political interference, and whether the 11 complainants receive the protection and due process the POSH framework promises.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has an FIR been filed against Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam?
An FIR has been registered against Akoijam in connection with sexual harassment allegations made by at least 11 female students at JNU. The complaint that triggered the police FIR was filed by JNU's Chief Security Officer, and the case is registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to sexual harassment.
What did JNU's internal inquiry find against Akoijam?
JNU constituted an Internal Committee under the POSH Act, which conducted a detailed probe into the complaints. The committee's findings led to Akoijam's immediate dismissal from the university, where he had served as a professor.
What are the specific allegations against Akoijam?
At least 11 female students alleged in May that Akoijam invited them to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students additionally alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks during classroom sessions.
How has the Congress party responded to the FIR?
As of the latest reports, the Congress leadership — including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sonia Gandhi — has not issued any formal statement on the FIR or the allegations. The BJP has publicly criticised this silence as inconsistent with the party's stated stance on women's rights.
What happens next in the JNU sexual harassment case?
Delhi Police are investigating the FIR registered at Vasant Kunj North police station. With the criminal process now underway, further legal proceedings are expected. Akoijam remains a sitting Member of Parliament despite his dismissal from JNU.
