NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has registered an FIR following a complaint by Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) chief security officer, invoking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to sexual harassment and insulting the modesty of a woman.The FIR, registered at Vasant Kunj North police station on October 11, mentions the name of Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in its details, and an investigation is underway.The FIR has been registered under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the BNS. The development comes amid the controversy surrounding Akoijam, who was dismissed from his position as a JNU professor on Friday following an internal inquiry into sexual harassment allegations made by students.
Delhi Police registers FIR under BNS Sections 75 and 79
Section 75 of the BNS deals with sexual harassment, including unwelcome physical contact and advances, demands for sexual favours, showing pornography against a woman’s will and making sexually coloured remarks. Section 79 deals with words, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.The FIR was registered on the complaint of JNU’s chief security officer. Its details mention Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur constituency in the Lok Sabha.Police have not provided further details about the allegations recorded in the FIR in the information currently available.
Why was JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam dismissed?
JNU dismissed Akoijam, who was associated with the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, with immediate effect on October 9 after an inquiry into sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by 11 students.The university’s Internal Committee recommended a major penalty under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965.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.
Congress MP calls JNU dismissal a ‘witch hunt’
Akoijam has denied wrongdoing and criticised the university’s handling of the matter, describing his dismissal as a “witch hunt”.He said he had not received the Internal Committee’s recommendations or the formal dismissal order and demanded that the evidence against him be made public.He also said he intended to challenge the university’s decision through legal channels.The latest FIR is now under investigation by Delhi Police.(With agency inputs)
