Bengaluru: The post-mortem examination of Bengaluru-based realtor C J Roy confirmed that his death was caused by a gunshot wound to the chest that ruptured vital organs, leading to near-instantaneous death, hospital authorities said.

Speaking to PTI, Aravind MN, Medical Superintendent of Bowring Hospital, said the bullet entered the left side of Roy’s chest, damaged the heart and lungs, and exited through the back.

"According to the information I’ve received, death was caused by a gunshot injury. The bullet entered the left side of the chest, ruptured the heart and lungs, and exited through the back. This would have caused an almost instantaneous collapse and subsequent death. We are currently awaiting the formal report."

Doctors recovered a single 6.35 mm bullet during the examination. As part of standard forensic procedure, fingertip tests for gunpowder residue were conducted, along with blood and DNA sampling. A CT scan was also carried out prior to the autopsy, though its report is yet to be reviewed.

Hospital officials said police are examining whether only one bullet was fired and are coordinating with the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), to which all relevant samples have been handed over.

SIT formed to investigate death during Income Tax searches

Meanwhile, Bengaluru police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the circumstances surrounding Roy’s death, which occurred while Income Tax officials were conducting searches at his office near Richmond Circle.

An official police statement said Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh ordered the formation of the SIT to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

"In order to ensure a comprehensive and meticulous investigation into this case, the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Seemanth Kumar Singh has ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and directed that the investigation of the case be transferred to the team,"

The SIT will be headed by Joint Commissioner of Police (West Zone) C Vamshi Krishna. Deputy Commissioner of Police of the South Division, Lokesh Jagalasar, will act as the Investigating Officer.

Central Division DCP Akshay Hake, along with senior officers from various divisions and special units, has been included in the team. The SIT has also been empowered to induct additional officers and resources if required.

Police said all officers have been directed to extend full cooperation to ensure a lawful, prompt and effective investigation. Authorities added that all aspects of the case would be examined and relevant details shared with the public in the coming days.

Events leading to death and official response

Roy, a real estate tycoon in his late 50s, allegedly shot himself using his licensed firearm inside his office. After staff members heard a gunshot, they rushed to the room and found him lying in a pool of blood.

He was taken to hospital immediately, where doctors declared him dead.

Income Tax sources said searches at Roy’s premises had begun around two months ago. His brother has alleged that pressure from the central agency may have pushed him to take the extreme step.

Originally from Kerala, Roy was also the honorary consul of the Slovak Republic, according to the Police Commissioner.

Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the government would wait for the investigation to conclude before drawing conclusions.

"We will see what the findings are. I can't say anything right now till we find out what factors pushed him to that stage."