What Happened in Three Hours That Led Confident Group Chairman C.J. Roy to Take the Extreme Step?

Bengaluru: In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through India’s real estate sector, Confident Group founder and chairman C.J. Roy (57) was found dead at his Langford Road office on Friday, after suffering a gunshot wound. Police suspect suicide, though the exact circumstances leading to the incident remain under investigation.

The incident occurred amid an ongoing Income Tax (IT) Department search operation at the Confident Group office, which had been underway for the past three days in connection with a previous large-scale raid conducted last month.

Timeline of Events

According to police sources, a joint team of IT officials from Kochi and Bengaluru arrived at the company’s office around 12 noon. Roy reached the premises at approximately 2 PM. Initially asked to leave, he was later advised by officials to stay back to review certain documents and sign papers related to the inquiry.

Around 3 PM, Roy reportedly informed the officials that relevant documents were kept in his private cabin and walked in alone. Minutes later, a gunshot was heard. It is alleged that between 3:00 and 3:10 PM, Roy fired a shot at himself inside the cabin. Whether the office cabin was under CCTV surveillance is yet to be confirmed.

Employees and officials rushed him to Narayana Hospital in HSR Layout, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Ongoing IT Probe

Police stated that the IT team had seized and examined documents during the search operation but clarified that Roy was not prevented from carrying out his routine work. Officials reportedly told investigators that the visit was part of procedural verification linked to lifting prohibitory orders on certain company assets.

The firearm is believed to be a licensed weapon, though formal confirmation is awaited.

Family and Personal Details

Roy’s wife and two children—both aged around 19–20—reside in Dubai. They arrived in Bengaluru following the incident. Though his mother lives near Koramangala’s Nexus Mall, associates said Roy rarely stayed with her and preferred five-star hotels in the city’s central business district during visits.

A close associate told police that Roy was known to always carry a briefcase, which reportedly contained his firearm and important documents.

Police Statement and Legal Status

Based on a complaint filed by Confident Group’s founder director and managing director T.A. Joseph, police have registered a case of unnatural death. Investigators confirmed that the complaint does not level allegations against IT officials at this stage. Authorities said a separate FIR may be registered if the family raises new claims.

Family’s Allegation

Roy’s brother, C.J. Babu, owner of Voitgold, accused the IT officials of exerting “official pressure” and held them responsible for the circumstances leading to Roy’s death. He stated that the IT team had been conducting searches in Bengaluru for three consecutive days and that the family had returned to the city following official instructions. Police said these allegations would be examined if formally submitted.

A Shock to Colleagues

Colleagues described Roy as confident and resilient, stating that in all their years of working with him, he never appeared emotionally fragile. His sudden death has left employees and associates deeply shaken.

Sequence at a Glance

• 12:00 PM: IT officials arrive at Confident Group office
• 2:00 PM: C.J. Roy reaches the office
• 2:00–3:00 PM: Asked to review and sign documents
• 3:00 PM: Roy enters his private cabin
• 3:00–3:10 PM: Gunshot heard; Roy collapses
• 3:10–4:00 PM: Taken to hospital; declared dead

Investigations are ongoing to establish the precise sequence of events and circumstances surrounding the incident.