Confident Group Chairman CJ Roy found dead amid Income Tax Department scrutiny; suicide suspected

Bengaluru: C J Roy, founder and chairman of real estate firm Confident Group, shot himself dead on Friday afternoon, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh confirmed.

The incident occurred at Roy’s office near Richmond Circle, where he sustained bullet injuries from his licensed firearm. Staff reportedly heard the gunshot and found him lying in a pool of blood. He was rushed to hospital, but doctors declared him dead.

I-T searches underway for two months

Commissioner Singh said Income Tax (I-T) searches had been ongoing at Roy’s premises for about two months.

"Today, under the Ashoka Nagar police station limits, a shooting incident occurred. Prima facie, it appears that the Confident Group chairperson and founder, C J Roy, shot himself dead. His body is at Narayana Hospital in HSR Layout," Singh told reporters after inspecting the site.

The shooting reportedly took place between 3 pm and 3.30 pm. A complaint filed by a Confident Group director prompted the police to register a case.

Investigation ongoing, no confirmed eyewitnesses

Singh said I-T searches at Roy’s office had been active for the past three days, with officers questioning him even on the day of his death.

"According to our initial reports, the searches have been ongoing for the past three days. The I-T team was questioning him, including today. Only investigation will reveal what actually happened," Singh said.

On whether the case could be treated as abetment to suicide, he added: "The investigation will proceed based on the complaint."

The I-T team leading the searches was reportedly from Kerala. Police have yet to speak to them. Forensic, ballistic, and crime teams have inspected the office, but there are no confirmed eyewitnesses so far.

Family members of Roy have been informed and are expected to arrive in Bengaluru tonight.

Personal life and philanthropy

Originally from Kerala, Roy was known for his passion for cars, particularly his first Maruti-800, which he often said “kept him grounded.” He also collected high-end vehicles.

Roy had a record of philanthropy, having pledged flats to winners from underprivileged backgrounds at a past real estate exhibition. He also produced four Malayalam films.