Itanagar, Oct 28 (NationPress) The Arunachal Pradesh government has assigned the investigation of the tragic twin suicide case, which involves serious accusations of sexual abuse, coercion, and corruption by government officials, to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the crime branch, as confirmed by officials.

An official stated that the Director General of Police (DGP), Anand Mohan, issued an order mandating that all records and pertinent documents regarding the case be promptly transferred to the SIT at the police headquarters.

The SIT, led by Superintendent of Police Shivendu Bhushan, who also heads the Crime Branch of the Arunachal Pradesh police, is now responsible for this sensitive investigation.

The shocking twin suicides are currently under scrutiny by the Nirjuli police station in Itanagar. On Monday, the Arunachal Pradesh Police apprehended former Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom, who is presently serving as Special Secretary (PWD) with the Delhi government, following his surrender to the police concerning the twin suicide incidents related to allegations of sexual abuse, intimidation, and corruption.

A police representative revealed that Potom, an IAS officer, surrendered at the Nirjuli police station on Monday and was subsequently arrested under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which include charges related to abetment to suicide and criminal misconduct.

The FIR against the accused also includes stipulations from the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.

Later, Potom was presented before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Yupia, located in Papum Pare district, where he was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.

Potom had been evading capture following the suicides of Gomchu Yekar, a 19-year-old Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) from the PWD and Rural Works Department (RWD), and Executive Engineer Likwang Lowang, who both died by suicide on October 23.

Yekar was found deceased at his rented accommodation in Lekhi village, Nirjuli, while Lowang also took his life the same day at his home in Longding district.

A handwritten note discovered at Yekar's residence allegedly outlined harassment and coercion from two senior officials—Potom and Lowang. Yekar's family later reported that several suicide notes had been recovered, containing grave allegations against both officials.

In these notes, Yekar claimed he experienced prolonged sexual exploitation and harassment, stating that ongoing humiliation, coercion, and threats compelled him to take such a drastic action.

One note reportedly indicated that he had contracted HIV and accused one official of abandonment and blackmail. Yekar also asserted he had been promised Rs 1 crore in financial compensation, which was ultimately withdrawn.

He wrote: “If I die, it will be because of him (Potom). Please give me justice.”

The victim's father lodged a complaint at the Nirjuli police station, requesting strict action against both officials for abetment of suicide, sexual exploitation, mental harassment, criminal intimidation, corruption, and endangerment of life.

The complaint additionally sought for the suicide notes to be treated as dying declarations, preserved as primary evidence, and subjected to forensic and handwriting analysis.

The FIR further accused Yekar of being coerced into illicit activities, facing repeated humiliation, and being subsequently abandoned. Yekar was initially employed temporarily by then DC Potom during his term (2021–2025) to aid in enforcing the alcohol and tobacco-free mandate at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar.