The brother of Dr CJ Roy, the founder and chairman of Confident Group, has accused officials of putting pressure on him, allegedly forcing him to take the drastic step of killing himself.
Speaking to a Kerala-based news channel on Saturday, CJ Babu, Roy’s brother, demanded that the income-tax team, which raided his office in Bengaluru, should answer what made his brother take such a drastic step. Roy is believed to have shot himself with a pistol.
“He was under pressure for the last three to four days,” Babu told the channel. “I was calming him down, but I did not think he would do something like this.” He sought a response from the income-tax team on what forced Roy to end his life.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Babu denied that his brother faced financial problems. “He had zero debt and good bank balance,” he explained, noting Roy, 57, also did not face any threats or demands for clearing loans.
On Friday, Roy reached the Confident Group office in Bengaluru along with TA Joseph, the managing director of the group. He was supposed to give his statement to the income-tax officials. He then moved into his cabin and told Joseph he wanted to speak to his mother over the phone privately. Joseph stepped out, but was concerned when he did not hear from him for long.
Later, the cabin door was opened from outside, and Roy was found seated on the chair with blood all over him, according to Indian media reports. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
The Confident Group has filed a police complaint, claiming undue pressure could have driven Roy to take the extreme step. Joseph is reported to have filed a complaint with the Bengaluru police, seeking a thorough investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, Roy’s wife and two children were scheduled to reach Bengaluru from Dubai early Saturday.
Diverse business
Roy established Confident Group in 2006 and diversified into hospitality, education, entertainment and construction over the years. After relocating to Dubai (he was a Golden Visa holder), Roy spent time between the UAE and India. He steered the Confident Group, which emerged as a major real estate player in Kerala, Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka.
The Karnataka government has promised to investigate the entire incident. DK Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister of the state, told reporters that a high-level investigation will be carried out to bring out the truth. “This shouldn’t have happened,” said Shivakumar. “He was a good businessman. We have sought a report from Delhi and will let the truth out after the investigations.”
Roy was active on social media with over a million followers on Instagram. His Indian Republic Day wish to his followers got a huge response from them. Roy also posted photographs and write-ups on his travels, cars and choppers.
About the Author
