Kerala CM seeks judicial probe into death of builder CJ Roy

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought a judicial inquiry into the death of Confident Group chairman CJ Roy, who died by suicide during an Income Tax Department raid at his Bengaluru residence on Jan.30, 2026, describing the incident as a "blot on the country's tax administration" and one that has deeply shaken Kerala's business community and civil society.

Vijayan has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to constitute a judicial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Roy.

The head of the Confident Group with operations in India and the UAE reportedly took his own life during a tax raid conducted by officials from the income tax department at his office in Bengaluru last week.

Vijayan expressed the shock of the business community, civil society, and his family in Kerala over the incident, calling it a blemish on the country's tax administration.

He emphasised the need for extreme caution in tax enforcement actions, stating, "While there can be no dispute that intrusive action may be necessary in rare situations, such actions must be approached with meticulous care in their initiation, execution, and conclusion.”

Vijayan noted that preliminary reports suggest a lack of necessary diligence on the part of the tax officials, which may have contributed to the loss of Roy's life.

He expressed concern about the troubling circumstances that allowed Roy to access a loaded firearm and fatally shoot himself during the search.

He said the individual being searched must be present during the operation and that at least two independent witnesses are needed to ensure fairness and transparency.

According to police reports, a shooting occurred around 3:15 PM, escalating a three-day investigation into Roy, a billionaire industrialist from Kochi, with a net worth of Rs 90 billion.

After returning from Dubai, he cooperated with the Income Tax (IT) team regarding his financial activities. Raids on his associated companies revealed assets disproportionate to his income.

Vijayan also referred to allegations raised by Roy's family, particularly statements attributed to his brother, Babu, who has said that Roy had fully cooperated with the Income Tax authorities, submitted all requested documents, and yet continued to face repeated searches.

While acknowledging that the department would have its own version of events, Vijayan said the truth could emerge only through a credible and impartial examination of both legal and administrative procedures, including whether the tragedy could have been prevented.

The demand for an independent probe has also found resonance at the national level. CPIM Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas on Monday called for a proper and impartial inquiry into Roy's death, saying the incident had raised serious concerns, particularly in Kerala.