Gauhati HC revokes bail of IAS officer Talo Potom in teen sexual abuse and suicide case

The Gauhati High Court’s Itanagar Bench on Friday quashed the bail of IAS officer Talo Potom, accused in a high-profile abetment to suicide case, and ordered his immediate arrest. Following the court’s directive, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Arunachal Pradesh police has intensified efforts to trace and apprehend him.

The case pertains to the suicide of Gomchu Yekar in October 2025 at his rented residence in Lekhi village . At the time, IAS officer Talo Potom, accused in the case, was posted as Special Secretary in the Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Delhi . Yekar’s father, Tagom Yekar, had petitioned the High Court seeking cancellation of bail, alleging sustained mental harassment, sexual exploitation, and corruption-related pressure by Potom, as referenced in the suicide notes left by the deceased.

Talo Potom was arrested in connection with the case but was granted bail within seven days in November 2025, despite the investigation being in its early stages. The petitioner’s counsel highlighted that crucial evidence, including deleted WhatsApp chats and voice messages, was still under forensic examination. The SIT confirmed that forensic analysis had verified the suicide notes were in the deceased’s handwriting. Custodial interrogation of the accused had not been conducted earlier due to law and order concerns.

Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer of the Itanagar Bench set aside the bail order, terming it “perverse” and legally flawed. The High Court observed that the lower court had conducted a “mini trial” at the bail stage, speculating on the victim’s mental health without evidence. Such findings, the court noted, ignored crucial evidence and established legal principles. The bench further observed that releasing the accused at such a nascent stage of investigation could derail the probe. “ The offence had shocked the collective conscience of society and involved an influential person ,” the court said. While setting aside the November 2025 bail, the High Court granted Potom the liberty to apply for fresh bail before the trial court, if advised.

Following the court’s directive, SIT superintendent Shivendu Bhushan said that search operations had been stepped up to execute the arrest order. “We are making all efforts to trace him and will arrest him soon,” he said, underlining the urgency of apprehending the accused.

The case has attracted widespread attention due to the gravity of the allegations and the involvement of a senior government official. The investigation continues under close supervision of the SIT, with authorities taking all measures to ensure that the legal process proceeds without obstruction.