Arunachal IAS officer remains absconding; family threatens protest over 19-year-old’s suicide case

Senior IAS officer Talo Potom continues to remain absconding as police intensify efforts to trace him in connection with the alleged suicide of 19‑year‑old Gomchu Yekar. The case has sparked outrage, with the victim’s family and community groups demanding immediate action.

According to sources, police visited Potom’s residence using mobile phone tracking records but did not find him. His mobile number was reportedly being used by a house help, who revealed that Potom had taken his phone and a new SIM card before leaving. In a purported suicide note, Yekar allegedly accused IAS officer Talo Potom and RWD Executive Engineer Likwang Lowang of sexual exploitation and mental harassment, which he claimed drove him to take his life.

Family members, along with the All Tagin Students’ Union (ATSU) led by General Secretary Vijay Domin, have demanded the immediate arrest of the absconding IAS officer. They warned that they would remove the body from the mortuary at TRIHMS (Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences) and bury it inside Talo Potom’s house if he is not apprehended promptly.

At a joint press briefing held outside the TRIHMS mortuary, the family, ATSU, and other local organizations issued a one-day ultimatum to the state home government to arrest the former Deputy Commissioner. Vijay Domin alleged that the deceased boy had contracted HIV/AIDS from interactions with the accused IAS officer and the deceased Engineer, urging other young victims of alleged sexual exploitation to get tested. Domin also confirmed the HIV/AIDS status of the deceased boy.

Police continue their search for IAS officer Talo Potom, but no official update on his arrest has been released. The situation remains tense as the family and community groups demand swift action and accountability.