BJP lawmakers ask India’s president to intervene in Bimol Akoijam case

A delegation of women lawmakers from the Bharatiya Janata Party met Indian President Droupadi Murmu on October 13. They sought action against MP Bimol Akoijam following sexual harassment allegations at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Roop Kumari Choudhary, head of the party’s women’s wing, said the delegation included 15 MPs. They requested his suspension from the lower house of Parliament and protection for the complainants.

Choudhary told reporters that the president had assured the delegation of an investigation and appropriate action. That account comes from the delegation. The report did not announce a decision to suspend the MP.

Akoijam represents the Indian National Congress and previously taught at the university. The Hindu reported that JNU dismissed him following an internal inquiry. The MP denies the allegations.

The appeal followed protests by the BJP women’s wing on October 12. The party’s demands and the university committee’s findings are distinct from a criminal court verdict.