Bengaluru Real Estate Tycoon's Tragic Suicide Sparks Family Allegations Against Tax Officials
The sudden and tragic death of prominent real estate developer Roy Chiriankandath Joseph, widely known as CJ Roy, has sent shockwaves through Bengaluru's business community. The 57-year-old owner of Confident Group took his own life using a pistol, with investigations currently underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
Family Points Finger at Kerala Income Tax Department
In a heartbreaking development, Roy's family has directly blamed officials from the Kerala income tax department for his untimely death. His brother, CJ Babu, who owns WhiteGold, made explosive allegations to the media, stating that a team of I-T officials from Kerala had been conducting intensive searches in Bengaluru for three consecutive days prior to the tragedy.
"He shot himself with a pistol. The I-T officials are solely responsible for his death," Babu declared emphatically, pointing to what he described as systematic harassment by tax authorities.
Background of the Tax Scrutiny
Roy, who was actively promoting several upscale real estate projects in Kerala, had recently come under the income tax department's scanner as part of an intensified crackdown on builders and developers. According to family sources, a specialized team from Kerala conducted thorough searches at his premises on multiple occasions:
- December 3, 2023
- December 6, 2023
- January 28, 2024
Despite maintaining a family base in Dubai, Roy had returned to Bengaluru specifically after being summoned by I-T investigators to be present during their examination procedures.
Allegations of Systematic Pressure and Harassment
CJ Babu specifically named Additional Commissioner of Income Tax Krishna Prasad, based in Thiruvananthapuram, as having subjected his brother to repeated scrutiny despite Roy's claims of full compliance with all tax regulations. "Tremendous pressure and harassment by I-T officials resulted in this," Babu asserted, adding crucial context that Roy had no significant business stress, outstanding loans, or known mental health issues that might have contributed to his decision.
"He was completely normal and in good spirits," Babu recalled, revealing that the brothers had spoken as recently as January 8, which happened to be Babu's birthday. During that conversation, Roy had specifically mentioned the mounting pressure from income tax officials.
Final Communications and Growing Desperation
In a particularly poignant detail, Babu disclosed that Roy remained in regular contact with family members and had even called him around 11 AM on Friday, sounding completely normal and proposing to meet the following evening. This makes the subsequent events even more shocking and inexplicable to those who knew him well.
"My brother cooperated fully and submitted all documents. Yet, the officials kept returning," Babu lamented. "He told me several times that the I-T trouble was unbearable. Additional commissioner Krishna Prasad and his team from Kerala must answer what led to this."
Family's Response and Future Actions
The family is expected to arrive in Bengaluru early Saturday to handle the tragic aftermath. When questioned about potential legal action, Babu indicated that the matter would be thoroughly discussed following the family's arrival in the city. He expressed clear intention to lodge a formal complaint against the I-T officials who were present during the raids, suggesting that the family seeks accountability for what they perceive as institutional harassment that led to this personal tragedy.
This incident raises serious questions about the methods employed during tax investigations and their psychological impact on business professionals. As the investigation continues, the business community watches closely, hoping for clarity and justice in this heartbreaking case that has claimed the life of one of Bengaluru's prominent real estate developers.
