Senior IAS Officer Arrested in Arunachal Pradesh Double Suicide Case Following Sexual Assault Allegations

Guwahati:

Senior Arunachal Pradesh government official Talo Potom surrendered to police in Naharlagun on Monday. He was subsequently arrested in connection with a shocking case involving alleged sexual assault of 19-year-old Gomchu Yekar and the subsequent suicides of both Yekar and Likwang Lowang, an engineer working in the state's Rural Works Department.

Yekar's suicide note accused both Potom and Lowang of sexual abuse. Following this revelation, Yekar's father, Tagom Yekar, filed a police complaint charging the officials with abetment to suicide.

According to media sources, Potom issued a statement denying these allegations, calling them "baseless."

Gomchu Yekar reportedly died by suicide on October 23 morning. He had been employed as staff in the Public Works Department, a position he claimed was provided by Potom during his tenure as Itanagar Deputy Commissioner between 2021 and 2025.

In his suicide note, Yekar stated he had contracted HIV after being sexually abused and was subsequently blackmailed by the accused officials.

The note further alleged that the officials refused to provide financial assistance to Yekar despite promises of Rs 1 crore. They reportedly threatened to "destroy his life."

Police have confirmed that post-mortem examinations were conducted on both Yekar and Lowang, including an HIV test for Yekar. The results are pending.

Lowang took his own life by firearm after Yekar's note became public, revealing his alleged involvement in the case.

Potom, 53, was serving as a special officer in the Delhi government's PWD when he surrendered to authorities.

Yekar's suicide note also contained allegations that Potom and Lowang were engaged in widespread corruption and other "immoral activities." In response to these revelations, Yekar's family has initiated public protests demanding justice, creating tension in parts of the state capital.

Yekar's body was discovered at his rented accommodation after a neighbor noticed his open door, called out, and received no response.

A special investigative team headed by Itanagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Kengo Dirchi is currently handling the case.