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With both the ruling and opposition factions in Kerala demanding a comprehensive investigation into Roy’s death, and hours after Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara directed the police to investigate the circumstances that led to the Confident Group chairman allegedly shooting himself, the Bengaluru Police announced the formation of the SIT.
“To ensure a comprehensive and careful investigation into this case, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, Seemant Kumar Singh, has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and directed that the case be transferred to the investigating team,” a Bengaluru Police statement said.
The SIT will be headed by Western Zone Joint Commissioner of Police C Vamshi Krishna.
All aspects of the case will be thoroughly investigated and relevant information will be provided to the public in the coming days.
Speaking to PTI, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, “We will see what the findings are. I can’t say anything right now until we find out what factors led him to reach that level.” Businessman Roy, who was in his 50s, was injured by a bullet from his licensed gun at his office near Richmond Circle in the city on Friday.
As soon as the staff members heard the gunshot, they reached his room and found him lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
IT sources said the searches at Roy’s premises had started about two months ago.
Roy’s brother has alleged that he may have taken this step due to pressure from the central agency.
According to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, Roy, originally from Kerala, was also an honorary lawyer of the Slovak Republic.
The ruling CPI(M) and Congress-led UDF opposition in Kerala demanded a comprehensive investigation into Roy’s death, saying the facts behind the incident should be brought out.
CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan, Rajya Sabha MP AA Rahim and opposition leader VD Satheesan were of the view that the reasons behind Roy’s death should be investigated.
Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Govindan questioned why central agencies are unable to act in a more humane manner while carrying out raids and other such activities.
He claimed that even after Roy’s death, raids at his office continued.
Satheesan said there was a “mystery” behind the businessman’s death and demanded an investigation into the matter.
“It is not clear what kind of harassment he faced at the hands of IT officials,” he said.
Superstar Mohanlal also condoled the businessman’s demise.
“The passing of my dear friend C.J. Roy feels surreal and extremely sad. My thoughts are with his family at this time of immense grief.” Mohanlal, who has acted in some of the films produced by the businessman, said in a Facebook post, “He was more than a friend, he will always be remembered with love and warmth.”
Parameshwara in Bengaluru said the Income Tax Department had earlier conducted searches at Roy’s company and was in the process of completing statutory procedures.
“His company was raided in December (last). The rule is that charge sheets have to be filed in the court within 60 days. They had to be finalized before February 4. Hence, he was called,” he said.
They said Roy had recently returned from abroad and was cooperating with the authorities.
“Three days ago, he had returned from Dubai. The IT officials had gone to his office to record his statement. He also responded to it,” Parameshwara said.
“Meanwhile, Roy told the officers that he would return in five minutes, but he did not return even after 20 minutes. That’s when his suicide was discovered.” Parameshwara said he has ordered a police investigation into the incident.
“I have directed police officials to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident. Things will become clear only after the report comes,” he said.
He said that Roy’s family has linked the incident to IT action.
“Roy’s brother has also given a statement that the incident happened due to the IT raid. Our police officers have not looked at it from that aspect,” he said.
Asked if there was any political angle to the increasing income tax raids, the Home Minister declined to speculate.
Karnataka Commerce and Industry Minister MB Patil said economic offenses should not be treated like other crimes and should be dealt with like a civil matter.
“It is not appropriate to create fear by bringing in CBI, ED, this and that. Only investigation will reveal what actually happened, but my point is that there are penal sections for economic offenses and there are solutions for that too, but it should not be treated like (a) criminal (incident),” Patil said.
Sources said preparations are being made for Roy’s last rites at Confident Cascade near Bannerghatta.
According to sources, Roy had identified the cremation ground before his death as it was his wish that his last rites be performed at Confident Cascade.