Bengaluru Police forms SIT to probe CJ Roy death; ripple effect in Kerala

Hours after Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday (January 31) said the police have been asked to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death of C J Roy, chairman of real-estate major Confident Group, Bengaluru Police announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the high-profile case, even as the business tycoon's family alleged "pressure" from the income-tax (I-T) department which was investigating him. There were also demands for a fair probe into the incident from Kerala, Roy's home state.

'CP ordered SIT'

A statement issued by the city police said, "In order to ensure a comprehensive and meticulous investigation into this case, the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Seemanth Kumar Singh has ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and directed that the investigation of the case be transferred to the team."

Also read: Realty, television, and opulence: About CJ Roy, man behind Confident Group

The SIT will be led by the Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP), West Zone, C Vamshi Krishna.

All aspects of the high-profile death will be thoroughly assessed, and relevant information will be communicated to the public in the coming days, it was learnt.

Home minister confirms SIT's formation

Parameshwara also confirmed the SIT's formation, saying, "We have formed an SIT to investigate the incident. This team will thoroughly examine whether they were facing problems due to the alleged IT raid in December or whether there were any other reasons behind this death. Based on the facts found in the investigation, the SIT officials will decide who should be called for questioning or subjected to investigation, which is all a matter left to their discretion."

The Congress government of the state is believed to have taken quick measures on the matter to neutralise a probable attack from the Opposition since the Karnataka Legislative Assembly's Budget Session is currently underway. After a first information report was filed with the Ashoka Nagar Police Station in Bengaluru on Saturday related to the death, the government passed on the initial information to the commissioner. The SIT would investigate based on the inputs.

About the SIT team

Given the case's profile and suspicions that exceed the apparent conclusion of a suicide, the SIT included senior officers to ensure that the probe is carried out successfully. Besides JCP Krishna, who will spearhead the investigators, the team will also include Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Akshay Hakay, Bengaluru Central Division; DCP Lokesh Jagalasar, South Division; and Assistant Commissioner of Police Sudhir, Halsuru Gate Police Station. Preliminary investigation had already started at the time of writing this report.

Scopes for suspicion

What has added suspicion to the case is the lack of a death note, something which is generally associated with suicides. This has led to many doubts among the investigators and the general public. Questions are being raised as to whether Roy took the decision hastily under pressure, or was it an attempt to destroy evidence?

The nature of the alleged suicide has also confused the police. Usually, those who take such a drastic step using a pistol shoot themselves in the head. However, Roy allegedly shot himself in the chest from a very close range. The SIT team will conduct a thorough examination in this dimension as well. The forensic experts' call will play a key role.

Was Roy under political pressure?

There are also rumors that behind the huge empire of Confident Group was not only Roy's hard work, but also illegal money flow. There have been allegations that influential political leaders and celebrities have invested crores in his company either through benami transactions or illegally.

The police, during an initial search operation late on Friday, discovered Roy's personal diary, which included the names of many actresses, models and politicians. Questions are also being raised about whether Roy was under intense pressure from the political circle not to reveal the names of these illegal investors during the raids by the I-T officials.

Roy allegedly shot himself in his office

The 57-year-old real-estate businessman allegedly shot himself dead with his own licensed firearm at his office in Bengaluru on Friday (January 30) when I-T officials were present in connection with raids on his company's premises.

Earlier on Saturday, Parameshwara, while confirming that he had ordered a police inquiry, told the media the I-T department had conducted searches at Roy's company previously and was in the process of completing statutory procedures. "There was a raid in his company in December (2025). There is a rule that within 60 days, a charge sheet has to be filed in the court. They had to finalise before February 4. Hence, he was summoned," he said.

Roy had recently returned from abroad and was cooperating with the authorities, he added.

"Three days ago, he had returned from Dubai. The I-T officials went to his office to record his statement. He, too, responded to it," Parameshwara added.

"In the meantime, Roy told the officials that he would be back in five minutes, but he did not return even after 20 minutes. Then his suicide came to the notice." The late tycoon had reportedly locked himself in after saying he wanted to speak to his mother. Later, he was discovered in a pool of blood.

The home minister said he had specifically asked the police to look into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

"I have directed police officials to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the incident. Things will be clear only after the report comes out," Parameshwara said.

Also read: Confident Group chairman C J Roy dies by suicide after tax raids

Allegation on I-T officials

He added that Roy's family has linked the incident to the I-T action. "Roy's brother has also given a statement that this incident happened due to I-T raids. Our police officers haven't looked into it from that aspect," he said.

When asked whether there was any political angle to the increasing I-Tax raids, the home minister declined to speculate. "As the home minister, I would not say anything more than that," he said.

Clarifying the scope of the probe, Parameshwara said, "Police will only investigate the suicide case. If something else emerges, then that will also be investigated."

Also read: I-T claims over Rs 1,000 cr black income in Refex Group raids; firm denies

Karnataka Commerce and Industries Minister M B Patil also spoke on the matter, telling reporters that economic offence should not be treated like other crimes, and it must be handled like a civil matter.

In Kerala, from where Roy hailed, the ruling Communist Party of India (CPIM) and the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance opposition sought a comprehensive probe into his death, saying that facts behind the incident should be brought to light.

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan were of the view that the reasons behind the businessman's death need to be investigated.

Govindan, who spoke to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, questioned why central agencies were unable to act in a more sensitive manner when carrying out raids and other such activities.

He claimed that the raid on Roy's office continued even after his death.

The Congress's Satheesan said there was a "mystery" behind the death of the businessman and sought a probe into the matter.

"It is not clear what kind of harassment he faced at the hands of the I-T officials," he added.

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal also condoled the death of the businessman.

Sources said preparations are being made for Roy's last rites at Confident Cascade near Bannerghatta, Bengaluru.

They added that Roy had identified the cremation ground before his death as he made the wish that he should be cremated at Confident Cascade.