BJP Mahila Morcha approaches NCW over sexual harassment case against Congress MP

A senior delegation from the BJP Mahila Morcha met National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Wednesday, demanding prompt intervention and comprehensive safety measures for students following the dismissal of Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from Jawaharlal Nehru University over sexual harassment complaints.

The delegation, led by BJP national vice-president Daggubati Purandeswari and Mahila Morcha national president Roop Kumari Chaudhary alongside five women parliamentarians, submitted a formal memorandum seeking decisive action. The move follows JNU's decision on 9 October to terminate Akoijam's service with immediate effect, after an internal inquiry under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment framework upheld complaints brought by 11 female students.

Demands for student protection and accountability

Addressing reporters after meeting Rahatkar, Chaudhary said the NCW chief assured the delegation that the commission would examine the matter closely. The delegation emphasised the urgent need to protect the complainants, who initially raised written allegations in May and remain enrolled at the university.

"The brave girls who brought this matter to light are still studying in the same institution," Chaudhary said. "Therefore, it is essential to ensure their safety and protection, and that they do not face any harm in the future."

The BJP leadership also questioned the Congress party's failure to take internal disciplinary steps against the Inner Manipur MP, arguing that holding public office requires the highest standard of moral accountability. The Mahila Morcha called for Akoijam's immediate expulsion from his party and demanded that the matter be referred to the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee.

Legal proceedings and parliamentary representation

The outreach to the NCW follows separate representations by women lawmakers seeking institutional accountability across government bodies. On Tuesday, a delegation of BJP women leaders—including Lok Sabha MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, and Malvika Devi, alongside Rajya Sabha MPs S. Phangnon Konyak and Geeta Shakya—met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, requesting Akoijam's suspension from parliamentary proceedings pending formal inquiries.

Delhi Police registered an FIR on 11 October at Vasant Kunj North police station following a formal complaint by JNU's Chief Security Officer, invoking provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning sexual harassment and outraging modesty.

Akoijam, who taught at JNU's Centre for the Study of Social Systems, has denied the allegations. He has challenged the university's disciplinary process, contending that he was not supplied with a copy of the inquiry report required to file an appeal and alleging a breach of confidentiality under Section 16 of the POSH Act.