C.J. Roy, founder and chairman of the Dubai-based Confident Group, died by suicide on Friday afternoon after allegedly shooting himself at his Langford Town office in Bengaluru, police officials said. The incident occurred while Income Tax Department officials were conducting searches at his premises.
According to preliminary information, Mr. Roy had arrived in Bengaluru on a business visit when the Income Tax raids began earlier in the week. On Friday afternoon, while the operation was still underway, officials reportedly questioned him at his office.
A senior police officer associated with the investigation said that after the questioning, Mr. Roy sought permission to make a phone call and speak with his mother, who resides in Koramangala. He then entered an adjoining room in the office — a space from where he functioned as the Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic for Karnataka and Kerala.
Minutes later, a gunshot was heard by people present in the office. Mr. Roy was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately rushed to Narayana Hospital, HSR Layout, where doctors declared him dead.
Weapon and investigation details
Police said it is not yet clear how many rounds were fired. The firearm used in the incident has been seized and will be sent for ballistic examination to determine further details. While officials have not confirmed whether the weapon was licensed, Mr. Roy’s brother, Babu C.J., stated that the pistol had been legally purchased nearly two decades ago for personal security.
Authorities are also examining whether Mr. Roy was formally summoned by Income Tax officials or questioned as part of routine search procedures.
Family and reactions
Speaking to the media, Mr. Babu said he had spoken to his brother around 11 a.m. on Friday, when Mr. Roy was at his office and “sounded completely normal.” He added that there were no known business issues.
“There was pressure due to the Income Tax raids, which may have caused stress,” he said, adding that officials had also visited his residence earlier in January seeking documents.
Congress leader Mohammed Nalapad, who was among the first to reach the hospital, described Mr. Roy as a mentor and “father figure.” He expressed shock over the incident, saying Mr. Roy was known as a confident and inspiring personality.
Mr. Roy’s wife, son and daughter, who are based in Dubai, are expected to arrive in Bengaluru on Saturday. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and investigations are ongoing.
