C J Roy death case: Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Singh forms SIT, no FIR lodged yet

Sequence of events

A complaint purportedly written by T A Joseph, Managing Director, Confident Group, has been circulating. It outlines the sequence of events leading to Roy’s death and describes how he was found unresponsive in his office.

In his complaint, Joseph stated that Roy, along with him, arrived at the Langford Road office around 3 pm on Friday, to give a statement to the Income Tax department. Roy then went to his cabin and later informed Joseph that he wished to speak to his mother.

Joseph said he stepped out briefly and returned after about 10 minutes, when security personnel told him that Roy had instructed them not to allow anyone into his cabin. After another 10 minutes, Joseph said he went to the cabin and knocked on the door, but received no response.

Realising that the door was locked from the inside, it was forced open. Roy was found seated on his chair with bloodstains on his shirt, and his body was cold to the touch. An ambulance was called, and medical personnel confirmed that there was no pulse.

Roy was then shifted to Narayana Hospital in HSR Layout, where doctors declared him dead.

Joseph, in his complaint, requested a detailed investigation into the circumstances that may have led Roy to take the extreme step, including any pressures he may have been facing.

Government’s position

Home Minister G Parameshwara said Roy had returned from Dubai three days earlier to respond to queries from the Income Tax department.

“I have directed the police to investigate the matter. His brothers have stated that Roy was under stress due to harassment by Income Tax officials. As Home Minister, I want to make it clear that the case will be probed thoroughly and action will be taken based on the findings. The investigation will take its own course,” Parameshwara said.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Urban Development Minister D K Shivakumar declined to comment on the matter on Saturday. On Friday, however, he had said, “C J Roy was a good entrepreneur. Our government will ensure that the case is investigated properly.”