JNU sexual harassment case: Congress MP Akoijam summoned by Delhi Police today
Synopsis
Congress MP and former JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam faces Delhi Police questioning on 15 October after an FIR was filed citing allegations from at least 11 female students. With BJP parliamentarians meeting the President and filing memoranda, and Congress yet to act internally, this is now as much a political crisis for the Opposition as it is a criminal investigation.
Key Takeaways
Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam was summoned by Delhi Police on 15 October for questioning in the JNU sexual harassment case .
An FIR was registered on 11 October at Vasant Kunj North police station under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the BNS .
At least 11 female students lodged complaints against Akoijam in May , alleging harassment at his campus residence and in the classroom.
JNU sacked Akoijam following an internal enquiry into the allegations.
BJP women Parliamentarians met President Droupadi Murmu on 13 October seeking his removal; NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar submitted a memorandum on 14 October .
Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi have not announced any internal disciplinary action against Akoijam.
Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam was summoned by the Delhi Police on Thursday, 15 October for questioning in connection with sexual harassment allegations against him at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The case marks a significant escalation in a controversy that has already cost Akoijam his academic position and drawn sharp political crossfire.
FIR and Legal Provisions
Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on 11 October, based on a complaint filed by JNU'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), according to officials. Akoijam, who was also a professor at JNU before being sacked, was named in the FIR. The Delhi Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
Nature of the Allegations
According to media reports, at least 11 female students lodged sexual harassment complaints against Akoijam in May. The complaints alleged that he had invited students to his campus residence under the pretext of official meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students additionally alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks in the classroom. These allegations were reportedly examined as part of a formal university enquiry that preceded his dismissal from JNU.
BJP Mounts Political Pressure
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has used the case to mount sustained pressure on the Indian National Congress (Congress) and its Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, questioning why the party has not taken action against Akoijam. BJP leaders pointed to Gandhi's public 'smash the patriarchy' remarks, asking whether the statement amounts to 'mere political rhetoric' in the absence of internal party accountability.
On 14 October, several BJP leaders, including National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, met and submitted a memorandum to authorities seeking action against the Congress MP. A day earlier, on 13 October, a delegation of BJP women Parliamentarians met President Droupadi Murmu, drawing her attention to the charges and arguing that Akoijam is unfit to continue as a Parliamentarian and must step down.
Wider Context
This case comes amid growing scrutiny of internal accountability mechanisms within political parties when their own elected representatives face serious criminal allegations. Notably, the case is being watched closely in the context of ongoing debates around the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework in higher education institutions. JNU's decision to dismiss Akoijam ahead of a criminal FIR is relatively rare in Indian academia and may set a precedent for how universities respond to such complaints.
What Happens Next
Delhi Police are expected to record Akoijam's statement following the summons. The outcome of that questioning will likely determine whether he is formally arrested or if investigations proceed through further evidence gathering. Congress has so far not publicly announced any internal disciplinary action against him. All eyes remain on the party's response, as well as any judicial intervention Akoijam may seek.
Point of View
Yet move glacially when the accused is their own. Congress's silence on internal disciplinary proceedings, even as Delhi Police file an FIR and JNU sacks Akoijam, is a credibility problem that no amount of anti-patriarchy rhetoric can paper over. The BJP's political mobilisation — from NCW memoranda to a Presidential meeting — is opportunistic, but that does not make the underlying accountability question less legitimate. The deeper issue is that India still lacks a binding, enforceable framework that compels political parties to act when sitting Parliamentarians face cognisable criminal complaints.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam been summoned by Delhi Police?
Akoijam has been summoned for questioning in connection with sexual harassment allegations made against him at JNU. Delhi Police registered an FIR on 11 October based on a complaint from JNU's Chief Security Officer, and the summons on 15 October is part of the ongoing investigation.
What are the allegations against Akoijam?
At least 11 female students lodged complaints in May alleging that Akoijam invited them to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also alleged he made obscene and inappropriate remarks in class.
What action has JNU taken against Akoijam?
JNU dismissed Akoijam from his professorial position following an internal enquiry into the allegations. His termination preceded the filing of the criminal FIR by Delhi Police.
Under which legal sections was the FIR registered?
The FIR was registered at Vasant Kunj North police station under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv), and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to officials.
What has the BJP done in response to the case?
BJP women Parliamentarians met President Droupadi Murmu on 13 October seeking Akoijam's removal from Parliament, arguing he is unfit to hold office. On 14 October, BJP leaders including NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar submitted a memorandum demanding action, and the party has publicly challenged Congress and Rahul Gandhi to act internally.
