A special investigation team has questioned income tax officials in the suicide case of Confident Group founder CJ Roy. The incident occurred during a tax search in Bengaluru, amid claims of pressure. The company's managing director described the inspection as routine.
Confident Group founder and chairman CJ Roy shot himself with his licensed firearm on January 30 at his office near Richmond Circle in Bengaluru. The suicide took place during a search by an income tax team. An officer said authorities are probing the day's events, including allegations that officials applied pressure during questioning.
Kerala income tax officials Nitin Biju and Krishna Prasad were questioned. The officer stated, “The police have questioned them on the developments on the day of the suicide and the allegations that IT officials exerted pressure in the manner of those who instigated the suicide.” Roy had been under income tax scrutiny since December, with searches at multiple premises in the preceding days.
Company managing director TA Joseph described the Bengaluru office inspection as routine and not triggered by any offense. He denied claims of “extreme harassment” and called officials courteous and helpful. Joseph said, “But our clients themselves are our investors,” emphasizing the debt-free status and absence of external investors. He rejected involvement in money laundering or illegal activities.
Joseph noted full cooperation during the search, conducted in working hours. He characterized Roy’s brother CJ Babu’s reaction as emotional. Expressing confidence in the Special Investigation Team probe, he added that projects in Kerala and Bengaluru are proceeding as planned. Developments directly overseen by Roy are mostly complete, with only painting pending at two sites, and work has resumed everywhere.
Joseph criticized some online outlets for spreading false information. He dismissed allegations of benami transactions and wrongdoing, and refuted speculation about investments from Malayalam actor Mohanlal or producer Antony Perumbavoor, limiting their ties to the film Casanova and personal relations with Roy. Roy’s brother had claimed pressure from the income tax proceedings.
