Kerala Chief Minister Demands Judicial Probe into Businessman's Death During Income Tax Operation
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has formally demanded a judicial inquiry into the tragic death of C J Roy, the head of Confident Group, who reportedly committed suicide in Bengaluru on January 30, 2026. The incident occurred during an ongoing search and seizure operation conducted by the income tax department, raising serious questions about procedural protocols and oversight.
Letter to Union Finance Minister Highlights Grave Concerns
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday, Chief Minister Vijayan expressed profound shock over the incident, describing it as a dark stain on the country's tax administration system. The CM emphasized that while intrusive actions by tax authorities might be necessary in exceptional circumstances, extreme caution must be exercised throughout the initiation, execution, and conclusion of such operations.
Citing available reports in the public domain, Vijayan pointed out that apparent lapses in due diligence appear to have contributed to the loss of a precious human life. He noted with particular concern that a person whose premises were under the control of tax officials during a search operation could access a loaded licensed firearm and shoot himself while the operation was actively in progress.
Serious Lapses in Protocol During Search Operation
According to reports referenced by the Chief Minister, Roy moved to another room, retrieved his licensed gun, and shot himself even as the search continued elsewhere in the building. Vijayan stated that if these reports are accurate, they indicate serious procedural failures and non-compliance with minimum essential protocols required during search operations, ultimately leading to this tragic loss of life.
The CM also drew attention to the grievances raised by Roy's family members, who have spoken to media outlets. He referenced statements from Roy's brother, who alleged persistent harassment by officials during the proceedings. The family claims that Roy cooperated fully and submitted all requested documents, but officials kept returning, making the income tax proceedings unbearable for him.
Call for Impartial Examination and Truth
While acknowledging that the income tax department would have its own version of events, Chief Minister Vijayan stressed that the complete truth must emerge through a credible and impartial examination. This investigation should scrutinize the legal and administrative procedures followed during the operation, determine how the incident could have been prevented with proper diligence, and evaluate the substance of statements made by the immediate relatives of the deceased.
The letter emphasized that ordering an impartial inquiry is essential to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents in the future. Vijayan proposed that the best course of action would be for the Union government to order a judicial inquiry through a commission headed by a person with experience as a judge of a constitutional court. He further urged that this inquiry be conducted without unnecessary delay and completed within a strict time-bound framework.
The Chief Minister's intervention highlights growing concerns about the conduct of tax enforcement operations and their human impact, particularly within the business community and civil society that he noted have been deeply shaken by this incident.
