The mysterious death of Dubai-based businessman and Confident Group founder C.J. Roy during an Income Tax raid has prompted the Karnataka Police to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT), amid growing concerns and political attention surrounding the incident.
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said the SIT would conduct a comprehensive probe into all aspects of Roy’s death, including allegations raised by his family that pressure from tax authorities may have contributed to his suicide. However, he stressed that it was too early to establish any direct link.
Roy allegedly died by suicide at his Bengaluru office last Friday while an Income Tax raid was in progress. Police said he was questioned for over an hour and asked to submit additional financial documents. After handing over one set of records, Roy reportedly returned to his chamber, where he later shot himself.
The incident has drawn national attention following a letter from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging a probe into the conduct of the raid. Parameshwara acknowledged the letter but stated that decisions regarding any judicial or departmental inquiry would rest with the Union government.
Police sources indicated that Roy had been under intense financial and investor pressure for several months, with his business dealings under scrutiny by central agencies. Investigators believe a combination of financial stress and official questioning may have contributed to his mental distress.
The SIT will review the Income Tax raid procedures, financial transactions, and statements from officials, family members, and associates to determine the sequence of events leading to Roy’s death.
