Congress MP Bimol Akoijam left Imphal for New Delhi on Thursday, October 15, after receiving a police summons in connection with a sexual harassment case linked to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). His departure comes amid growing political controversy and public demonstrations in Manipur.
Supporters gathered at Imphal Airport to express solidarity with the Inner Manipur MP as he prepared to travel to the national capital. Meanwhile, the investigation has drawn attention from political parties, university circles and the wider public.
Bimol Akoijam Leaves Imphal After Police Summons
Bimol Akoijam travelled to Delhi in response to a notice issued by Delhi Police. Investigators have asked him to appear for questioning and present his side in the ongoing case.
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Akoijam expressed confidence in the judicial process. He indicated that he would cooperate with the police and maintained that justice would prevail.
The summons marks another development in a controversy that has intensified following allegations against the Congress leader. However, the police investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations must be distinguished from the final outcome of any criminal proceedings.
Akoijam represents the Inner Manipur constituency in the Lok Sabha. Before entering Parliament, he worked as a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi.
His departure comes at a sensitive time for both the MP and the Congress party, as the case has triggered political reactions in Manipur and elsewhere.
Bimol Akoijam Supporters Gather at Imphal Airport
Supporters assembled at Imphal Airport to show solidarity with the MP ahead of his journey to Delhi. Their presence reflected the strong public interest surrounding the case and its political implications in Manipur.
The airport gathering followed demonstrations in Imphal on Wednesday, when supporters rallied against the allegations and the action taken against Akoijam. Protesters also marched towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state office in Keishampat.
Police intervened during the march as sections of the crowd moved towards the party office. Reports said some demonstrators reached the premises before security personnel pushed the protesters back.
The gathering later returned to the Keishamthong area, where supporters continued their protest. Akoijam also met supporters near his residence and addressed their concerns.
Moreover, the demonstrations highlighted the political tensions surrounding the case. While supporters questioned the circumstances of the action against him, the allegations have also prompted demands for accountability and a thorough investigation.
What the JNU Harassment Case Involves
The case centres on sexual harassment allegations made against Akoijam during his tenure as a professor at JNU. The university dismissed him from his teaching position following an internal inquiry into complaints made by female students.
According to media reports, the university’s internal committee examined allegations involving inappropriate conduct and sexually coloured remarks. Akoijam has challenged the process and denied the allegations.
Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on October 11 following a complaint by JNU’s chief security officer. The complaint prompted investigators to begin criminal proceedings and seek Akoijam’s participation in the investigation.
Police subsequently issued a notice directing him to appear for questioning on October 15. The notice requires him to cooperate with investigators and provide his account of the allegations.
However, the university’s internal proceedings and the police investigation are separate processes. The police must examine the evidence and statements before determining the next steps in the criminal case.
Bimol Akoijam Case Triggers Political Reactions
The controversy has prompted reactions from political leaders, including members of the BJP. BJP women parliamentarians met President Droupadi Murmu on October 13 and sought action against the Congress MP over the allegations.
Additionally, BJP Mahila Morcha members staged a protest outside the Congress headquarters in Delhi, demanding action in the matter. The developments have increased pressure on the Congress leadership to respond to the controversy.
In Manipur, however, Akoijam’s supporters have rallied behind him and questioned the political circumstances surrounding the case. Their demonstrations have added another dimension to the dispute, which now extends beyond the university and police investigation.
Nevertheless, political statements and public protests do not determine criminal liability. Investigators must assess the available evidence through the established legal process.
What Happens Next for Bimol Akoijam?
Akoijam’s arrival in Delhi is expected to allow investigators to question him as part of the ongoing probe. His response to the summons represents an important procedural step, although it does not establish the outcome of the case.
Meanwhile, the controversy is likely to remain under public scrutiny as the police investigation progresses. Further developments will depend on the evidence gathered, the statements recorded and the actions taken by the relevant authorities.
The case also raises broader questions about accountability, institutional investigations and due process. These issues require careful examination without prejudging either the complainants’ allegations or the MP’s defence.
For now, Bimol Akoijam faces a police inquiry in Delhi while supporters continue to express solidarity with him in Manipur. The next developments will depend on the investigation and the legal process.
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