Published Feb 02, 2026 | 3:38 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 02, 2026 | 5:46 PM
CJ Roy. (Supplied)
Synopsis: In the notes, Roy reportedly left detailed instructions about his personal and business matters, including references to money owed to him and clear directions on who should manage the company after his death.
In an important development, investigators are said to have obtained a handwritten note in the suicide case of Confident group chairman CJ Roy, revealing new information about the incident.
The businessman died by suicide in Bengaluru on 30 January 2026, during a search operation conducted by the Income Tax department.
Police said the note is now a crucial piece of evidence being examined by SIT.
In the note, Roy reportedly left detailed instructions about his personal and business matters, including references to money owed to him and clear directions on who should manage the company after his death.
He specifically urged that long-time associates of the Confident Group should not be side-lined and should continue in the organisation.
The SIT has begun recording statements from Roy’s wife and children to verify the financial and business details mentioned in the note.
Sources said Roy had earlier shared such information with his wife and had even spoken about it in a recent YouTube interview. Investigators are expected to question her further after the funeral rites, as she is believed to have key knowledge of his finances and business affairs.
According to TNIE report, on Sunday, 1 February, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that an SIT constituted to probe the death of CJ Roy has begun the probe.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman demanding a judicial inquiry into the death of Confident Group head CJ Roy.
Arguing that internal reports from the Income Tax department would not inspire public confidence, Vijayan urged the Union government to constitute a Commission of Inquiry headed by a former judge of a constitutional court.
He said a judicial inquiry was essential to examine whether due diligence was exercised, whether the tragedy could have been prevented, and to identify systemic flaws to avoid recurrence.
In his letter, the Chief Minister described the incident as deeply shocking to the business community and civil society in Kerala, calling it a “blot on the tax administration of the country” at a time when the Union government advocates a policy of “Non-intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable (NUDGE)”.
While acknowledging that intrusive tax actions may be warranted in rare cases, Vijayan stressed that such operations must be carried out with extreme caution and strict adherence to established procedures. Citing media reports, he pointed to what he termed a serious lapse in protocol, noting that Roy allegedly accessed a licensed firearm and shot himself while the search operation was ongoing in the same premises.
“When a search is underway, the premises are under the control of tax officials and ensuring safety is a minimum responsibility,” the Chief Minister wrote, adding that preliminary reports suggest non-compliance with essential safeguards during the operation.
Vijayan also referred to allegations raised by Roy’s brother, Babu, who told a media outlet that Roy had fully cooperated with officials but was allegedly harassed by repeated visits from the department.
The Chief Minister said such grievances warrant empathetic consideration and impartial scrutiny.
While reiterating the need for zero tolerance towards tax evasion, the Chief Minister underlined that no enforcement action leading to the loss of a human life can be justified in a civilised democratic society.
Dr Roy Chiriankandath Joseph, popularly known as CJ Roy, was the founder and chairman of the Confident Group, which has interests in real estate, hospitality and entertainment. Headquartered in Bengaluru he built the company into a multi-state and international enterprise, with operations in several parts of India and abroad, including Dubai and other Middle East countries.
The group has completed over 65 projects and was known for following a rare zero-debt business model in the real estate sector.
CJ Roy also served as the Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic and was associated with various social welfare activities.
Confident Projects (India) pvt ltd has been involved in tax disputes with the Income Tax Department before the Income tax appellate tribunal and the Karnataka High Court over assessment-related matters.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
(If you need support or know someone who has suicidal thoughts, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist or contact the helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families. Tele-MANAS: 14416; Life Suicide Prevention: 7893078930; Arogya Vani: 104; Sahay Helpline: 080-25497777; Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584.)
