‘People will get exposed’: Bimol Akoijam challenges JNU allegations

Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has questioned the handling of sexual harassment allegations against him at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, describing the proceedings as “harassment” and alleging that the university has disregarded established rules and regulations.

Speaking in Imphal, Manipur, Akoijam said he believed the matter was being handled in a manner that could face legal scrutiny if challenged in court.

“This is nothing but harassment. They know that once this 'khap panchayat' style of doing by JNU is challenged in a court of law, the court will take notice of the complete disregard for norms, rules and regulations,” he said.

The Congress MP further alleged that the manner in which the matter was being handled could expose procedural shortcomings at the university. He maintained that an examination of the merits of the case would bring greater clarity to the allegations.

“I have said this before, if you go into the merits of the case, people will get exposed - what is this so-called harassment allegations,” Akoijam said.

Akoijam's remarks come amid the sexual harassment allegations against him at JNU. He has challenged the manner in which the proceedings are being conducted and indicated that the matter could be taken to court.

The allegations and the MP's response remain distinct aspects of the matter. Akoijam has denied the characterisation of the allegations as presented against him, describing them as harassment and questioning the procedure followed by the university.