New Delhi, Oct 15 (IANS) The BJP and JD(U) on Thursday criticised Rahul Gandhi over the alleged sexual harassment allegations against Congress MP and sacked Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Professor, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, accusing the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, of maintaining double standards on women’s rights.
Speaking to IANS, Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav alleged, “This reflects the mindset of the Congress party. This is not the first time the professor has allegedly engaged in such misconduct. He has behaved inappropriately with several girls and female students, and people may be aware of his conduct, but the Congress party protects such people. It is unfortunate. Such people bring shame to society.”
BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi also accused LoP Gandhi of double standards, saying that while he speaks about women’s rights, he has not spoken out against his party’s MP, who has been accused of sexually harassing female students.
“Delhi Police summoning Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam following serious sexual harassment allegations by 11 female students is proof of the impartiality of the law,” Saraogi said.
JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan described the allegations as disturbing and said a teacher’s alleged behaviour towards female students was shameful and unacceptable in a civilised society.
“From a public perception perspective, the Congress should have intervened and taken action in this matter, as the professor is also a party MP. However, the Congress’ silence so far is surprising,” he said.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police summoned Akoijam for questioning on Thursday in connection with the sexual harassment allegations relating to his tenure at JNU.
Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on October 11 based on a complaint filed by JNU’s Chief Security Officer. According to officials, 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).
Akoijam, who was dismissed from his position as a JNU professor, has been named in the FIR. Officials said the police are investigating the matter.
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 meetings or gatherings and had attempted to sexually harass them.
The allegations are under investigation, and the police are questioning the MP as part of the ongoing probe.
However, Akoijam who is an Inner Manipur MP, has asserted that the sexual harassment allegations against him levelled by JNU’s women students are linked to his criticism of the handling of the ethnic conflict in the state.
–IANS
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