In a dramatic development in Bengaluru, city police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh announced on Saturday the formation of a six-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the death of prominent realtor C J Roy. This comes just a day after Roy was found shot dead in his office cabin under suspicious circumstances, with income tax officials present on the premises during what is being treated as a possible suicide.
Family Alleges Harassment by Tax Authorities
Family members of C J Roy, the founder of Confident Group which has significant business interests in Karnataka, Kerala, and Dubai, have strongly alleged that repeated income tax raids on his establishments drove him to take his own life. They claim the relentless scrutiny and pressure from central agencies created an untenable situation for the businessman, ultimately leading to this tragic outcome.
Political Divide Within Karnataka Government
The Congress-led Karnataka government appears deeply divided over the scope and direction of the investigation. While Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that police would initially focus on the suicide angle, Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge took a more aggressive stance, directly blaming the death on alleged harassment by central agencies.
"Police will investigate I-T officials in the case, as they were present during the incident," Kharge emphasized, suggesting that the presence of tax authorities during the fatal incident warranted their inclusion in the probe.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar described Roy as a "good businessman" and expressed support for a high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. This internal government disagreement highlights the political sensitivity of the case, which involves allegations against central agencies operating within a state governed by the opposition party.
Investigation Challenges and Public Interest
The formation of the SIT represents a significant escalation in the official response to this high-profile case. Investigators now face multiple challenges:
- Determining whether this was indeed a suicide or requires examination of other possibilities
- Investigating the conduct and timing of income tax officials present during the incident
- Examining the alleged pattern of harassment through repeated raids on Roy's businesses
- Navigating the political dimensions of a case that pits state authorities against central agencies
The business community in Bengaluru and beyond is watching this case closely, as it raises serious questions about the relationship between entrepreneurs and regulatory authorities. The outcome of the SIT investigation could have broader implications for how such interactions are conducted and perceived in India's commercial landscape.
