New Delhi: The Arunachal Pradesh Police have arrested IAS officer Talo Potom (IAS 2016: AGMUT) in connection with the alleged suicide of a 19-year-old last week. Mr. Potom, who currently serves as Special Secretary in the Delhi Government’s Public Works Department (PWD), surrendered before police in Itanagar. Before being transferred to Delhi in June 2025, he was serving as Deputy Commissioner (DC) in Itanagar.
ICR Naharlagun SP Nyelam Nega stated that Potom surrendered at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, but did not provide further details. Later that day, the First-Class Judicial Magistrate (JMFC) court in Yupia placed Potom in judicial custody for 14 days.
The officer had been named in a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the victim’s family, who accused him of abetment to suicide and alleged sexual abuse. The family had refused to accept the body until the officer was apprehended.
Twin Suicides Rock Arunachal Pradesh
The case took a grim turn when another government official, Likwang Lowang, Executive Engineer in the Rural Works Department, reportedly died by suicide only hours after the teenager’s death.
According to the suicide note recovered from the 19-year-old, he alleged sexual exploitation, emotional manipulation, and financial deceit. The note also claimed that he had contracted HIV and was blackmailed, leading him to take his life. “The reason for my death is Talo Potom,” the note stated. “If he hadn’t recruited me to this post, I wouldn’t have committed suicide.”
The victim’s father lodged an FIR at Nirjuli Police Station, naming both Mr. Potom and Mr. Lowang for abetment to suicide, sexual harassment, and mental torture.
Special Investigation Team Formed
Following widespread public outrage, the Arunachal Pradesh Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged twin suicides.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Itanagar Capital Region) Tumme Amo confirmed that the SIT is led by Itanagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Kengo Dirchi. Coordination has been initiated with the Superintendent of Police in Tirap district, as Mr. Lowang was reportedly mentioned in suicide notes as HIV positive.
“We are awaiting the post-mortem report of Mr. Lowang. The same verification will be done for Mr. Potom after his arrest,” Mr. Amo said.
Raids, Forensic Action, and Evidence Seized
A police team conducted a search at Mr. Potom’s residence in Itanagar on Friday. Investigators discovered that the officer had replaced his SIM card and left his phone behind, possibly to mislead the investigation. Another SIM card, held by his caretaker, was also seized along with several documents for forensic examination.
A case has been registered under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide), 271, and 272/3(5) (negligent or malicious acts likely to spread infection) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Public Outrage and Administrative Response
The twin suicides have sparked widespread outrage among citizens, civil society groups, and government employees in Arunachal Pradesh, who are demanding swift justice.
Authorities have assured that the investigation will be impartial and that no individual, regardless of rank or position, will be spared if found guilty. The SIT has been directed to submit a detailed report to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in the administrative system.
