Staff REPORTER
Itanagar, Oct 24: A manhunt has been launched for former ICR Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom, who has been accused of abetment to suicide following the death of a 20-year-old youth, Gomchu Yekar.
According to police sources, the deceased left behind a note naming Talo Potom and RWD Executive Engineer Likwang Lowang, alleging sexual abuse. The youth reportedly died by suicide on Thursday. Following the incident, Tagom Yekar, father of the deceased, lodged an FIR at the Nirjuli Police Station.
Soon after the FIR went viral on social media, EE Likwang Lowang, who was also named in the complaint, allegedly died by suicide in Khonsa later in the evening.
Police confirmed that a team had raided Potom’s residence in Itanagar, but he was not found. “Search operations are underway in other possible locations,” said a police source.
It may be mentioned that the late Yekar had earlier been arrested in June 2025 for allegedly impersonating a magistrate and extorting around Rs 7 lakh from the public. He was reportedly hired as an MTS staff by Potom to assist in patrolling Indira Gandhi Park, which had been declared an alcohol- and tobacco-free zone.
During his tenure, Yekar was accused of misusing his position, assaulting civilians—including women—inside IG Park, conducting unauthorized raids at pubs and bars, and extorting money from wine shops and individuals found violating park restrictions.
Police sources confirmed that he was out on bail at the time of his death.
The case has stirred widespread attention, and police has assured a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.