ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Former Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom has been arrested in connection with the sensational twin suicide case that has rocked Arunachal Pradesh, involving allegations of sexual abuse, coercion, and corruption.
Potom, currently serving as Special Secretary (PWD) with the Delhi government, surrendered at Nirjuli Police Station around 7:30 a.m. on Monday and was formally arrested, Papum Pare Superintendent of Police Neelam Nega confirmed. He had been untraceable since October 23, when the case came to light, prompting police to issue a lookout notice.
The case pertains to the death of Gomchu Yekar, a young Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) employee, who died by suicide at his rented accommodation in Lekhi village, Nirjuli on October 23. A handwritten note recovered at the scene allegedly accused Potom and Likwang Lowang, Executive Engineer of the Rural Works Department (RWD), of harassment and coercion.
Tragically, Lowang also died by suicide the same day at his residence in Longding district, police said. Initially registered as a case of unnatural death under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the probe has since expanded following new revelations.
In multiple suicide notes, Yekar reportedly alleged sexual exploitation and prolonged mental harassment by the two senior officials. He wrote that he had been humiliated, manipulated, and coerced, leading to severe distress. One note claimed he had contracted HIV and accused one of the officials of abandoning and blackmailing him.
Yekar also mentioned being promised ₹1 crore in financial aid, which was later withdrawn, writing:“If I die, it will be because of him (Potom). Please give me justice.”
Yekar’s father has since lodged a detailed FIR at Nirjuli Police Station, seeking strict legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017. The complaint demands that the suicide notes be treated as dying declarations and sent for forensic and handwriting analysis.
Police records further indicate that Yekar had previously misused his position, conducting unauthorised raids, assaulting civilians, and extorting money while impersonating a magistrate using forged seals and a fake “Magistrate on Duty” nameplate.
The Arunachal Pradesh Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Itanagar SDPO Kengo Dirchi, under the supervision of DIGP (ICR) Tumme Amo, to probe the case in coordination with the Longding police. The SIT is also verifying the HIV status of both deceased and accused individuals as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police have confirmed that post-mortem reports and forensic results are awaited to determine the next course of action. The case has sparked widespread outrage across the state, with calls for a transparent investigation and justice for the victim.
