SIT ordered to probe Confident Group chairman CJ Roy's death during I-T searches

Bengaluru-based realtor CJ Roy allegedly died by suicide at his residence on Friday.

• Bengaluru police formed SIT to probe real estate tycoon CJ Roy's death
• Roy died from a gunshot wound during an Income Tax search at his office
• Police treating the case as prima facie suicide; investigation ongoing

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Bengaluru police on Saturday constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to conduct what they described as a “comprehensive and meticulous investigation” into the death of real estate businessman CJ Roy, chairman of Confident Group, who was found dead at his office in Langford Town while searches by the Income Tax Department were underway.

City police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said the SIT would be headed by joint commissioner of police (West Zone) C Vamshi Krishna, with deputy commissioner of police (South Division) Lokesh Jagalasar appointed as the investigating officer.

The Ashok Nagar police station has registered an unnatural death report and is treating the case as a prima facie suicide.

The commissioner stated that all relevant officers had been directed to extend support to ensure a “lawful, prompt, and effective investigation,” adding that the SIT could rope in additional officers and resources if required.

Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara said a preliminary inquiry had begun. “Several aspects need to be examined, what happened before the incident and what led him to take an extreme step. I have instructed the police to conduct a detailed investigation. Once the report is submitted, the facts will become clear and further decisions will be taken accordingly,” he said.

On allegations of official pressure, he added: “We have not thought about the IT harassment angle at this stage. The team has not examined the IT aspect so far. If the investigation throws up such details, it will be looked into.”

Events inside the office and family’s account

According to a complaint by TA Joseph, founding director and managing director of Confident Group, Roy had gone to the Langford Road office to give a statement to tax officials. Joseph told police that Roy entered his cabin, locked the door, and said he needed to speak with his mother.

When staff forced the door open, they found him with a gunshot wound from his licensed firearm. An ambulance rushed him to Narayana Hospital HSR Layout, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Police sources said I-T officials had reached the office around noon, and Roy arrived at about 2 pm.

He was initially told he could leave, but later advised to stay back to sign and review certain documents. Around 3 pm, he reportedly told officials he had some papers in his cabin and went inside. Minutes later, a gunshot was heard.

Roy’s brother, Babu Roy, linked the death to proceedings by the tax department. “My brother told me many times that the pressure from the Income Tax department was too much. Even on the morning of January 30, he spoke to me. He had been under severe pressure for the past few days. I am not sure what kind of pressure they put on him, but he had no debts and no financial issues. I have lost my brother,” he told reporters.

Police, however, said the complaint did not contain any allegation against I-T officials. An investigating officer said a separate FIR could be considered if the family raises fresh claims.

Forensic findings and weapon examination

Investigators later shared key forensic observations. Police said that Roy fired a single, close-range bullet into the left side of his chest using his right hand.

The pistol was placed extremely close to the body, indicating a point-blank discharge. The bullet travelled through the body and lodged in the back. Only one round was fired, and no additional discharge marks or spent cartridges were found at the scene.

Officials said Roy used a licensed NP Bore 0.25 pistol. The weapon has been seized and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic and technical examination.

The commissioner said, “While we know it was a hand-held weapon, its exact make and calibre need to be confirmed by the ballistics team, which is conducting its probe.”

A close aide told police that Roy habitually kept his briefcase near him as it contained his pistol. His wife and two children, who live in Dubai, are expected to reach Bengaluru shortly.