Bengaluru Police Commissioner Forms Special Investigation Team for C J Roy Death Probe
In a significant development, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the death of Confident Group Chairman C J Roy. The real estate magnate was discovered deceased at his office on Hosur Road in Bengaluru on Friday, coinciding with the presence of Income Tax officials who were concluding raids conducted earlier.
No FIR Registered, Unnatural Death Report Filed
Police Commissioner Singh clarified that no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed in this case. Given the circumstances suggesting an unnatural death, the police have registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) and subsequently transferred the case to the newly formed SIT for thorough examination.
SIT Leadership and Mandate
The SIT will be headed by C Vamshi Krishna, Joint Commissioner of Police for the West Zone. The team has been granted authority to enlist additional officers and resources as required, with all relevant police units instructed to extend full cooperation to facilitate the investigation.
Sequence of Events Leading to Roy's Death
A complaint allegedly authored by T A Joseph, Managing Director of Confident Group, has been circulating, detailing the events preceding Roy's demise. According to the complaint:
- Roy and Joseph arrived at the Langford Road office around 3 pm on Friday to provide statements to the Income Tax department.
- Roy proceeded to his cabin and later expressed a desire to speak with his mother.
- Joseph stepped out briefly, returning after approximately 10 minutes, only to be informed by security that Roy had instructed them to bar entry to his cabin.
- After another 10 minutes, Joseph knocked on the cabin door but received no response.
- Upon forcing the door open, Roy was found seated on his chair with bloodstains on his shirt, his body cold to the touch.
- An ambulance was summoned, and medical personnel confirmed the absence of a pulse.
- Roy was transported to Narayana Hospital in HSR Layout, where doctors officially declared him dead.
In his complaint, Joseph has urged a comprehensive investigation into the factors that may have driven Roy to take such an extreme step, including any potential pressures he might have been enduring.
Government and Political Responses
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara disclosed that Roy had returned from Dubai three days prior to address queries from the Income Tax department. "I have directed the police to investigate the matter," Parameshwara stated. "His brothers have indicated that Roy was under stress due to alleged harassment by Income Tax officials. As Home Minister, I assure that the case will be probed meticulously, with appropriate action taken based on the findings. The investigation will follow its due course."
Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Urban Development Minister D K Shivakumar opted not to comment on the matter on Saturday. However, on Friday, he had remarked, "C J Roy was a commendable entrepreneur. Our government is committed to ensuring a proper investigation into the case."
Background on C J Roy
C J Roy, the chairman of Confident Group, was a prominent figure in Bengaluru's real estate sector. His journey from a corporate employee to a real estate mogul underscores his significant impact on the industry. The circumstances surrounding his death have drawn considerable attention, particularly given the concurrent Income Tax raids, prompting calls for a transparent and exhaustive investigation to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.
