The Supreme Court has restored the bail granted to Arunachal Pradesh IAS officer Talo Potom in connection with the alleged abetment of suicide case involving 19-year-old Gomchu Yekar. A bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar on May 7 set aside an earlier order of the Gauhati High Court which had cancelled the bail granted to Potom by a lower court. The apex court observed that there were no sufficient grounds to revoke the bail earlier granted by the trial court. After hearing arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court allowed Potom’s appeal and directed that the original bail order would continue to remain in force. At the same time, the court warned the accused against trying to influence witnesses or interfere with the investigation. The bench stated that if any verified complaint regarding intimidation or interference is received, the bail could be cancelled again. The Supreme Court also clarified that observations made by the trial court while granting bail should not affect the merits of the ongoing criminal trial. The bench avoided making detailed remarks on the alleged dying declaration in order to ensure that the case proceeds without prejudice.
The case is linked to the death of Gomchu Yekar, who was found dead at his rented accommodation in Lekhi village on October 23, 2025. According to allegations made during the investigation, Yekar had left behind suicide notes accusing Talo Potom and another government engineer of sexual assault, mental harassment and exposing him to HIV/AIDS. Reports stated that Yekar had been working in the Public Works Department through Potom. Potom was arrested on October 27, 2025. He later secured bail from the Sessions Court within a week of his arrest. However, the victim’s father challenged the bail order before the Gauhati High Court. The High Court subsequently cancelled the bail and directed that Potom be taken into custody again. The High Court had observed that the lower court granted bail without proper application of mind and had allegedly ignored important evidence in the case. The High Court also noted concerns that Potom, being a senior and influential officer, could affect the investigation at an early stage. During earlier court proceedings, the prosecution had claimed that WhatsApp chats and voice messages exchanged between the accused and the deceased had been deleted. It also informed the court that forensic examination of electronic devices connected to the case was still pending.
Following the High Court order, Potom approached the Supreme Court challenging the cancellation of bail. The apex court had earlier stayed the High Court’s order and directed the IAS officer to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. According to officials, all the rescued children were later produced before the competent authority for necessary legal procedures. After this, they were shifted to a Child Care Institution (CCI), where they will receive protection, care and rehabilitation support. Authorities said the rescued minors would also be provided counselling and assistance as part of child protection measures. Officials stated that the drive was conducted as part of ongoing efforts by the administration to stop child labour and strengthen protection of children’s rights in the district. They also warned business owners and commercial establishments against employing minor children for labour work and said such inspection drives would continue in the coming days.
