Bengaluru: Confident Group chairman CJ Roy was found dead at his office on Langford Road on Friday, January 30, in what police have described as a case of suicide. According to officials, Roy used a licensed firearm during a visit by Income Tax department personnel to the premises.

Family members have alleged that Roy was under intense mental stress due to repeated tax-related actions. His brother, Babu Roy, told the media that the pressure from Income Tax officials had taken a serious toll on him over the past few months.

Babu Roy said the first round of Income Tax raids took place in December 2025 and that officials returned to the office on January 29, asking Roy to be present the following day. He claimed his brother had spoken to him on the morning of January 30 and sounded deeply distressed.

“He had no financial troubles or debts. But he kept telling me the pressure from the department was unbearable. I don’t know what exactly happened inside the office, but I have lost my brother,” Babu Roy said.

Income Tax officials, however, clarified that the December raids had concluded earlier and that the January visit was related to the execution of a prohibitory order. Under Section 132(3) of the Income Tax Act, officers are authorised to seal documents, books of accounts, or other materials for further examination.

A senior tax official confirmed that the December operation was led by the Joint Director of Investigation, Krishnaprasad KK, but said it was not clear whether he was present during the January visit. Another official stated that a junior officer was overseeing the execution of the prohibitory order at the time of the incident.

Police confirmed that Roy owned a licensed firearm. His body was moved from a private hospital to Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital on Friday night for post-mortem examination.

CJ Roy was a well-known figure in the real estate sector, with Confident Group operating nearly 200 projects across Kerala, Karnataka, and other parts of southern India. He was also active in the Malayalam film industry and had produced several films, including Casanova starring Mohanlal. The Confident Group had also served as a title sponsor for multiple seasons of Bigg Boss Malayalam.

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The company has previously been involved in tax-related litigation with the Income Tax Department before appellate tribunals and the Karnataka High Court.