CJ Roy death during I-T raids sparks questions as brother seeks answers from officials

Bengaluru faced shock and grief on Friday after prominent real estate businessman Roy Chiriankandath Joseph, known as CJ Roy, died during an ongoing Income Tax investigation at his premises. The incident unfolded amid an intensive search operation that began early in the morning and continued through the day.

Income Tax teams carried out searches at multiple locations linked to CJ Roy for the third consecutive day. Officials questioned him on financial records and transactions as part of the probe. The investigation formed part of a broader action led by an Income Tax team from Kerala, according to police officials.

Soon after news of the death emerged, CJ Roy’s brother, CJ Babu, spoke publicly and raised serious questions. Babu, who runs the WhiteGold business group, said his brother felt anxious about the raids. He told CNN News18 that he spoke to CJ Roy the previous day at 10.40 am. The conversation lasted around 30 minutes and focused largely on the Income Tax action.

According to Babu, CJ Roy shared his concerns but did not mention any financial distress. He said his brother had no loans, faced no threats, and dealt with no other known pressure. Babu added that CJ Roy asked him to meet later in the evening to discuss the matter in detail. However, that meeting never took place.

Babu said a distressed staff member later called him and informed him about the incident. He immediately headed to meet the family. He also stressed that only Income Tax officials remained present at the location at the time of the incident. No other agency took part in the operation, he said.

Speaking strongly, Babu stated that senior Income Tax officials must answer key questions. He specifically named the assistant commissioner of Income Tax, Krishnaprasad, and said accountability mattered. He added that he would assess the situation fully after meeting family members and associates.

Details from the scene point to a tense sequence of events. CJ Roy reached his office in the afternoon. Soon after, Income Tax officials questioned him for nearly an hour. They sought specific documents to clarify entries and records. During the questioning, CJ Roy asked permission to go to his private chamber to retrieve the papers.

Moments later, a gunshot echoed from the room. Reports said CJ Roy used his licensed personal firearm and suffered a critical injury. Officials rushed him to Narayana Hospital for emergency care. Doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

Police authorities moved quickly to secure the area. Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh confirmed that teams from the crime unit and scene-of-crime office examined the location. He said the company’s director filed a complaint and confirmed that CJ Roy fired the shot himself.

Police teams have begun detailed checks. They aim to identify the firearm involved and verify the number of rounds discharged. Officers also plan to record statements from Income Tax officials and staff members present during the operation. The incident occurred around 3.15 pm, according to police.

Meanwhile, local police cordoned off the premises and launched a formal investigation. Officials said they will share further details after completing procedural checks and inquiries.

The death of CJ Roy has triggered wider debate on the conduct and pressure of financial investigations. As the probe continues, the family seeks clarity, and authorities face growing demands for transparent answers.