Delhi Govt Removes IAS Officer Talo Potom After Arunachal Arrest; Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Follows / Suspension Proposal Sent to MHA for Final Approval
In a decisive administrative move, the Delhi government has removed IAS officer Talo Potom from his role as Special Secretary (Public Works Department) following his arrest in Arunachal Pradesh.
According to officials, a detailed file recommending his suspension has already been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through the office of the Lieutenant Governor for approval.
Case Background: Potom Arrested, Later Granted Bail
Talo Potom, a 53-year-old IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre, was arrested in connection with the alleged suicide of 19-year-old Gomchu Yekar, who was found dead in her rented flat at Lekhi village, Nirjuli, on October 23.
Accused of harassment, Potom surrendered at Nirjuli Police Station on October 29 and was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. He was later released on bail after furnishing a ₹1 lakh bond, as granted by the District and Sessions Court, Yupia.
Administrative Changes: Sunil Anchipka Gets Additional Charge
In the wake of Potom’s removal, Sunil Anchipka, currently serving as Special Commissioner (Sales & Taxes), has been given the additional charge of Special Secretary (PWD).
Simultaneously, the Delhi government has issued a major reshuffle order, transferring and reassigning 16 officers, including seven IAS and nine DANICS officers.
While several IAS officers have been entrusted with added responsibilities, multiple DANICS officers have received new postings across departments.
Potom’s Tenure and Posting History
Before moving to Delhi, Talo Potom served as Deputy Commissioner, Itanagar Capital Region, in Arunachal Pradesh. A promotee from the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Services, he was inducted into the IAS under the AGMUT cadre and transferred to Delhi in June 2024, where he took charge of the PWD.
Sources reveal that Potom had taken leave and returned to Arunachal on October 17, shortly before the suicide case emerged. Investigators reportedly recovered suicide notes naming him, which triggered his arrest and subsequent administrative action.
Swift Government Action Amid Ongoing Probe
The Delhi government’s prompt decision to remove Potom and advance his suspension proposal underscores its commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in governance.
Officials said the administration is now awaiting MHA’s approval to formalize the suspension as per All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
This step, they added, aligns with the Centre’s zero-tolerance stance on ethical and disciplinary violations within the civil services.
