Special Investigation Team Formed Amid Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Power
A major scandal has shaken Arunachal Pradesh as the police issued a lookout notice for senior IAS officer Talo Potom, accused of sexual exploitation and abetment to suicide of a 19-year-old youth. The officer, currently posted as Secretary in the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD), has reportedly gone underground following the registration of an FIR on October 23.
Young Victim’s Death Followed by Another Suicide
The controversy deepened when, just hours after the youth’s death, another government employee — Likwang Lowang, Executive Engineer in the Rural Works Department — also allegedly ended his life.
According to the suicide note recovered from the 19-year-old, he accused Potom of sexual abuse, emotional blackmail, and financial manipulation. The note further claimed that he had contracted HIV and was subsequently threatened and abandoned.
“My death is because of Talo Potom. If he had not given me this job, I would not have taken my life,” the note stated.
The victim’s father has since filed a detailed FIR at Nirjuli Police Station, naming both Potom and Lowang under charges of abetment to suicide, sexual harassment, and psychological torture. The family has refused to accept the body until Potom is arrested, alleging that the authorities are deliberately delaying action.
SIT Formed as Public Anger Mounts
Facing mounting public outrage, the Arunachal Pradesh Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry into the twin suicides involving top bureaucrats.
DIG (Itanagar Capital Region) Tumme Amo confirmed that the investigation would be led by Itanagar SDPO Kengo Dirchi, in coordination with the Superintendent of Police, Tirap district, since Lowang was also mentioned in the suicide note as HIV positive.
“We are awaiting the post-mortem report of Mr. Lowang, and further medical verification will follow once Mr. Potom is in custody,” Amo told the media.
Police Raids and Forensic Investigation
A police team raided Potom’s Itanagar residence on Friday. Investigators suspect he deliberately tried to mislead authorities — having switched SIM cards and left his mobile phone behind.
Officers seized digital devices, SIM cards, and official documents for forensic examination. The police have booked the case under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 271, 272/3(5) (acts likely to spread infectious disease) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Public and Administrative Reaction
The twin tragedies have triggered widespread condemnation across Arunachal Pradesh. Civil society groups, student bodies, and bureaucratic associations have called for a swift, impartial investigation and accountability at the highest levels.
Senior officials have assured that no privilege or position will shield anyone found guilty, emphasizing that the SIT has been ordered to submit a detailed report to restore public trust and institutional credibility.
