Former Deputy Commissioner of Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), Talo Potom, has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a local court and transferred to the Jullang District Central Jail, marking another key development in a case that has drawn statewide attention. The decision came after the police produced Potom before the court following his arrest in connection with Case No. 92/2025, registered at Nirjuli Police Station under Sections 108, 271, 272, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The case reportedly pertains to allegations arising from a purported suicide note left by one Yekar, who had accused Potom and Executive Engineer Lowang of sexual exploitation and mental harassment. The note allegedly stated that such acts had driven him to take his own life.
Meanwhile, rumours and social media claims suggesting that Potom was HIV-positive have been proven to be entirely false. A medical examination conducted on October 24, 2025, at DJ Drugs & Diagnostic Laboratory in Bage Tinali, Nirjuli, confirmed that Potom tested negative for HIV. Officials have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could influence the ongoing investigation or damage reputations without evidence. During the probe, investigators examined Potom’s mobile phone records and discovered that the device was being operated by a domestic help, while Potom himself had swapped his SIM card before leaving home. Police sources confirmed that digital data and communication traces are being thoroughly analysed to establish the timeline of events leading up to Yekar’s death.
Earlier this week, public protests broke out in parts of Itanagar and Nirjuli as family members and supporters of the deceased demanded that no bail be granted to the IAS officer. Demonstrators also called for a fair and transparent investigation, alleging misuse of power and delay in justice.
