SIT begins probe into death of real estate tycoon C.J. Roy, says Home Minister

Bengaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Karnataka government has begun its probe into the mysterious death of noted real estate entrepreneur C.J. Roy, founder and chairman of the Confident Group, Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Sunday.

Addressing reporters, Home Minister Parameshwara confirmed that an SIT headed by Joint Commissioner of Police Vamshi Krishna has been formed to investigate the case. “The investigation has already commenced. A clear picture will emerge only after the report is submitted. Until the probe is completed, there is no scope for speculation,” he said.

The sudden demise of the prominent businessman has shocked the real estate industry and the public alike. Roy, originally from Kerala, had built the Confident Group into one of South India’s leading property development companies over the past two decades.

Meanwhile, his last rites were performed on Sunday at Confident Cascade near Bannerghatta in Bengaluru in the presence of family members, friends and well-wishers. According to family sources, prayers were first held at a church as per Roy’s wishes, after which the funeral ceremonies were completed.

Speaking to the media after the funeral, Roy’s brother C.J. Babu recalled his last conversation with him. “On January 30 around 10.40 a.m., Roy called me while I was in Thailand. He only asked when I would return. He did not mention anything about income tax raids or any pressure,” Babu said.

He further stated that Roy had arrived in Bengaluru on January 27 and was staying at a hotel. “I left for a wedding on January 28. We will have to wait and see what comes out of the SIT investigation,” he added.

Roy’s son Rohit Roy expressed grief and shock over his father’s death. “My father was a strong and successful businessman. We are still unable to understand what exactly happened. I thank everyone who came for the funeral. I don’t have the strength to speak now and will talk in the coming days,” he said emotionally.

Speculation has grown that alleged pressure from the Income Tax Department’s investigation might have contributed to Roy’s mental distress. His brother had earlier hinted that the businessman was under significant strain due to the ongoing IT inquiry.

An Unnatural Death Report (UDR) has been registered at Ashok Nagar police station. Police have, for now, treated the case as suspected suicide, but officials maintain that only the SIT probe will reveal the actual circumstances surrounding the incident.

The political reaction to the case has also been sharp. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra questioned the government’s decision to form an SIT so quickly. “This government forms SITs whenever it suits them. The same was done in the Valmiki Corporation scam and Chinnaswamy Stadium incident. Let us see what happens next,” he remarked.

On the other hand, several Congress leaders have alleged that central agencies such as the IT Department, Enforcement Directorate and CBI are being misused to target individuals and businesses.

Responding to these allegations, Home Minister Parameshwara reiterated that no conclusions should be drawn prematurely. “The investigation is ongoing. We cannot arrive at any judgment until the facts are established,” he said.

With the SIT now taking charge, all eyes are on the findings of the investigation, which are expected to throw light on the tragic and controversial death of one of Karnataka’s most well-known entrepreneurs.