HIV Scandal in Arunachal Pradesh: IAS Officer Talo Potom Arrested in Connection with Teen’s Alleged Suicide; SIT Constituted to Lead Probe
In a shocking development that has rattled Arunachal Pradesh’s administrative and public circles, senior bureaucrat Talo Potom (IAS 2016, AGMUT cadre) has been taken into custody for his alleged involvement in the suicide of a 19-year-old youth. The arrest follows days of public outrage and widespread calls for accountability.
Potom, who currently holds the post of Special Secretary in the Delhi Government’s Public Works Department (PWD), surrendered before the police in Itanagar early on Monday morning. Before his transfer to Delhi in June 2025, he served as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Itanagar.
Surrender and Judicial Custody
Confirming the development, Nyelam Nega, Superintendent of Police, ICR Naharlagun, said that Potom presented himself before the police around 7:30 a.m. and was immediately taken into custody. Later in the day, he was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Yupia, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody.
Potom was named in an FIR filed by the victim’s family, who accused him of abetment to suicide and sexual exploitation. The family had reportedly refused to perform the final rites of their son until the officer was arrested.
Twin Suicides Spark Shock and Protests
The case took a darker turn with a second suicide reported soon after. Likwang Lowang, an Executive Engineer in the Rural Works Department, was found dead hours after the teenager’s demise.
In a handwritten suicide note recovered from the 19-year-old’s room, the victim alleged that he had been subjected to sexual abuse, emotional manipulation, and financial coercion. He further claimed that he had contracted HIV and was subsequently blackmailed, leaving him with no choice but to end his life.
“The reason for my death is Talo Potom. If he had not given me this position, I would not have taken this step,” the note reportedly read.
Following this revelation, the victim’s father lodged an FIR at Nirjuli Police Station, naming both Potom and Lowang for abetment to suicide, sexual harassment, and mental harassment.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) Constituted
Amid growing public anger, the Arunachal Pradesh Police have set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an in-depth probe into the twin deaths.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Itanagar Capital Region, Tumme Amo, confirmed that the SIT would be headed by Kengo Dirchi, Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Itanagar. Coordination has also been initiated with the Superintendent of Police in Tirap district, as Lowang was reportedly mentioned in the suicide note as being HIV positive.
“We are awaiting Mr. Lowang’s post-mortem report. A similar verification process will be carried out for Mr. Potom following his arrest,” DIG Amo said.
Forensic Searches and Evidence Collection
A police team searched Potom’s residence in Itanagar last Friday and recovered multiple pieces of potential evidence. Investigators discovered that the officer had replaced his SIM card and abandoned his mobile phone, apparently to mislead investigators. Another SIM card belonging to his domestic staff was also confiscated, along with several documents and electronic devices now sent for forensic analysis.
The case has been formally registered under sections 108 (abetment to suicide) and 271 & 272/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relate to negligent or malicious acts that may spread infectious diseases.
Public Outcry and Government Response
The incident has provoked intense outrage among citizens, activists, and government employees across Arunachal Pradesh. Candlelight marches and social media campaigns have demanded an independent and transparent investigation.
In response, the state government has assured that no official, regardless of position or seniority, will be shielded if found guilty. The SIT has been instructed to complete its inquiry swiftly and submit a comprehensive report to uphold accountability and restore public trust in the state’s administrative machinery.
