Special Investigation Team Constituted to Probe Confident Group Founder's Death in Bengaluru
A six-member special investigation team (SIT) has been officially formed by Bengaluru police to conduct a thorough inquiry into the tragic death of Confident Group founder CJ Roy. The prominent businessman allegedly shot himself at his office in Langford Town on Friday, sending shockwaves through the city's corporate and political circles.
Police Commissioner Orders Immediate Investigation
City police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh ordered the formation of the SIT on Saturday, demonstrating the urgency and seriousness with which authorities are treating this high-profile case. The investigative team has been tasked with examining all circumstances surrounding Roy's death, with particular attention to allegations that he took this extreme step under pressure following repeated raids on his business establishments by Income Tax officials.
Income Tax Officials Present During Incident
Investigators have confirmed that Income Tax officers from Kerala were present in the building housing Roy's office when the incident occurred. However, police sources clarified that these officials were not inside his cabin at the precise moment of his death. "So far, no direct link has been established between the I-T probe and Roy's suicide," sources associated with the initial investigation revealed. "While I-T officials were present in the building, none were inside his office when he allegedly shot himself."
Brother's Allegations of Harassment to Be Examined
The investigation has gained additional complexity due to public allegations made by Roy's brother, C J Babu, who has claimed harassment by Income Tax officials. Police sources confirmed that this angle will be thoroughly examined as part of the comprehensive investigation. "However, since Roy's brother C J Babu has publicly alleged harassment by I-T officials, that angle will be thoroughly examined," sources emphasized.
Multiple Investigation Angles Being Pursued
City police have already sent Roy's mobile phones for forensic examination to gather digital evidence. Investigators are exploring multiple possibilities, including whether the businessman faced pressure from other quarters beyond the Income Tax department. "The team will examine all possible angles, including whether he faced pressure from any other source, given his political connections and his association with the film and television industries in Karnataka and Kerala," sources explained, highlighting the wide-ranging nature of the investigation.
Detailed Account of Final Moments
Confident Group Managing Director TA Joseph provided Ashoknagar police with a detailed account of the events leading up to Roy's death. "Around 3 pm, CJ Roy and I reached his office. He had come to give statements before the I-T officials. After some time, we entered his cabin. He then said he wanted to speak to his mother, and I stepped out," Joseph stated in his police statement.
He described waiting for approximately 10 minutes before approaching the cabin again, only to be stopped by Roy's bodyguards who informed him that Roy had directed them not to let anyone inside. "After waiting for another 10 minutes, when there was still no response and the cabin door appeared to be locked from inside, it was broken open," Joseph recounted.
The scene that greeted them was tragic: "Roy was seated in his chair with blood on his shirt and his body had turned cold. An ambulance was called, but the doctor said his pulse was untraceable," Joseph added, providing crucial details about the immediate aftermath of the incident.
SIT Leadership and Composition
The special investigation team will operate under the supervision of joint commissioner of police (west zone) C Vamsi Krishna and will be headed by deputy commissioner of police (south) Lokesh Jagalasar. The team includes several experienced officers:
- DCP (Central) Akshay Hakay
- ACP (Halasur Gate) Sudhir
- ACP (CCRB) Ramachandra
- Ashoknagar police inspector Ravi K B
This multi-level team composition ensures comprehensive investigative coverage across different police jurisdictions and expertise areas, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of the case involving a prominent business figure with connections across multiple sectors.
