Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Gauhati High Court Quashes Bail for IAS Officer Talo Potom, Orders Immediate Custody

The judge faulted the earlier bail order for overlooking key material during an early-stage probe.

Overview

  • The case stems from the October 2025 death of 19-year-old Gomchu Yekar, who named Talo Potom and senior engineer Likwang Lowang in suicide notes alleging prolonged sexual exploitation, harassment, coercion and threats.
  • The Special Investigation Team told the court that forensic analysis confirmed the notes were written by the deceased, and that deleted WhatsApp chats and voice messages remain under examination.
  • The High Court said the Yupia trial court ignored relevant materials, conducted a “mini trial,” and even speculated about the victim’s mental health without evidence.
  • While cancelling the November 2025 bail, the court granted Potom liberty to seek fresh bail before the trial court.
  • Lowang, who worked in the state’s Rural Works Department, died by suicide hours after the FIR was filed by the victim’s father.