SIT Intensifies Probe into Confident Group Chairman CJ Roy's Death
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the death of Confident Group chairman CJ Roy has recorded statements from income tax officials who were present at his Langford Town office on January 30, when he allegedly shot himself with his licensed pistol. The investigation has entered a crucial phase as authorities piece together the events leading to the tragic incident.
I-T Officials' Limited Role Clarified
According to investigators, all income tax personnel present on that fateful day have been examined. The officials maintained that they had not questioned Roy and were on the premises solely for the final scrutiny of documents seized during earlier operations. "They required Roy's signature and those of some staff members. Their role was limited to verification of records," a senior officer involved in the probe revealed.
Police responded cautiously to reports suggesting the I-T team had no interaction with Roy whatsoever. "We cannot conclusively say there was no conversation. What's clear is that the officials did not prevent him from carrying out routine activities. His mobile phone and briefcase were not taken into custody, and they were unaware that he was carrying a pistol," the officer elaborated, highlighting the nuanced nature of the investigation.
Timeline Discrepancies and Key Questions
The SIT has identified several inconsistencies in the timeline provided by different witnesses, raising significant questions about the sequence of events. Some staff members, including security guards, informed police that Roy entered his chamber around 2 pm, while TA Joseph, the founding-director and MD of Confident Group, mentioned 3 pm in his statement. "We will question Joseph and others who were present that day to reconcile these differences," an investigating officer stated.
Joseph told police he attempted to enter the chamber approximately ten minutes after being asked to leave but was stopped by security personnel who cited instructions not to allow anyone inside. He returned after another ten minutes, knocked on the door, and, receiving no response, forced it open as it was locked from within.
Investigators have expressed doubts about Joseph's complaint, particularly regarding the timeline. Key questions remain unanswered:
- When exactly did Roy reach the office?
- What were his interactions with the I-T officials?
- When did two men enter the chamber?
- Why was Joseph asked to step out?
- Did Roy speak to his mother before the incident?
- What was the exact time the door was forced open?
- Why did no one report hearing a gunshot?
"We are told no one heard the gunshot. The chamber has certain features that reduce noise, though it is not fully soundproof. Details cannot be shared at this juncture," the officer added, indicating the complexity of the crime scene.
Probe at Early Stage, Summons Issued
Investigators described the probe as being in its early stages, with crime scene reconstruction yet to be conducted. This reconstruction will be carried out in the presence of the complainant, TA Joseph. Statements from a few employees were recorded on Sunday, according to another officer.
Summons for questioning have been issued to Joseph, Roy's brother CJ Babu, and other associates. Police had initially planned to record their statements on Sunday but postponed the session as the family delayed taking custody of the body following the post-mortem on Saturday.
Family and Official Reactions
Rohit Roy, CJ Roy's son, expressed his grief: "My father was a great man. I am lost for words to explain what happened. I am not really sure what caused it… I don't have many words to say as I am still trying to process what is happening."
CJ Babu, Roy's brother, shared details of his last conversation: "When Roy spoke with me around 10.40 am on Jan 30, when I was in Thailand, he asked me when I was returning. I told him I would return the next day at 7 pm. He said he needed to talk with me. He did not talk to me specifically about the I-T raids or anything else. He called me two or three times only to ask when I was returning. I got information about his death at 4.08 pm. I left Thailand the same day."
G Parameshwara, Home Minister, commented on the investigation: "An SIT has been formed under the supervision of joint commissioner C Vamsi Krishna and the probe began Saturday itself. Unless we receive the investigation report, I cannot say anything."
The SIT, operating under the supervision of Joint Commissioner C Vamsi Krishna, continues to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding CJ Roy's death, with multiple angles under scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
