Itanagar, Oct 27 (NationPress) - The Arunachal Pradesh Police apprehended Talo Potom, the former Deputy Commissioner of the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) and currently a Special Secretary (PWD) with the Delhi government, after he voluntarily turned himself in concerning shocking twin suicide incidents linked to claims of sexual abuse, intimidation, and corruption, as stated by officials.

A police spokesperson confirmed that Potom, an IAS officer, surrendered at the Nirjuli police station in Itanagar on Monday, where he was subsequently arrested under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which include charges related to abetment to suicide and criminal misconduct. The FIR lodged against him also cites sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.

Following his arrest, Potom was presented before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Yupia, located in the Papum Pare district, which ordered him into 14 days of judicial custody. Family members of the deceased Gomchu Yekar, alongside various social activists, protested outside the Yupia court as Potom was transported to Jully Central Jail.

The senior officer had been evading arrest since the tragic deaths of Gomchu Yekar, a 19-year-old Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) in the PWD and Rural Works Department (RWD), and Executive Engineer Likwang Lowang, both of whom took their lives on October 23. Yekar was found dead in his rented residence at Lekhi village in Nirjuli, while Lowang also died by suicide at his home in Longding district.

A handwritten note discovered at Yekar's residence alleged harassment and coercion by Potom and Lowang. Yekar's family later reported that multiple suicide notes had been recovered, detailing severe accusations against both officials. The notes indicated that Yekar had endured prolonged sexual exploitation and harassment, claiming that constant humiliation and threats ultimately forced him to take such drastic action.

One note allegedly stated that Yekar had contracted HIV and accused one of the officials of not only abandoning him but also blackmailing him. He also claimed to have been promised Rs 1 crore as compensation, which he later did not receive. In his note, he implored, “If I die, it will be because of him (Potom). Please give me justice.”

The father of the victim lodged a complaint at the Nirjuli police station, demanding strict action against both officials for abetment of suicide, sexual exploitation, mental harassment, criminal intimidation, corruption, and endangerment of life. The complaint requested that the suicide notes be treated as dying declarations, preserved as primary evidence, and sent for forensic examination and handwriting analysis. The FIR additionally accused Yekar of being coerced into illegal activities and enduring repeated humiliation and abandonment.

Yekar had initially been engaged temporarily by Potom during his term (2021–2025) to help enforce the alcohol and tobacco-free directive at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar. Police documentation indicates that Yekar later allegedly misused his position by conducting unauthorized raids, assaulting individuals, collecting illegal fines, and extorting money from bars, pubs, and wine shops. He purportedly employed a rented vehicle bearing a “Magistrate on Duty” nameplate and forged seals to appear legitimate.

Yekar's family has called for a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation, potentially involving central agencies, considering the main suspect’s significant government role. Yekar had previously been arrested for impersonating a magistrate and extorting large sums from individuals.

In response to the situation, the Arunachal Pradesh Police has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Kengo Dirchi, to probe the twin suicide cases.