The death of Confident Group owner Roy Chiriankandath Joseph, popularly known as CJ Roy, has triggered shock and questions, with the circumstances surrounding his suicide still under investigation. Even as police continue to piece together events, Roy’s family has alleged that officials from the Income Tax department in Kerala were responsible for pushing him to take the extreme step.
CJ Roy, 57, was found dead after allegedly shooting himself with a licensed pistol. His brother, CJ Babu — founder of WhiteGold — told the media that Roy had been under intense stress due to repeated searches conducted by Income Tax officials.
“He shot himself with a pistol. The Income Tax officials are solely responsible for his death,” Babu alleged, claiming that officials from Kerala had been carrying out searches in Bengaluru for the past three days.
According to the family, Roy, who was largely based in Dubai, returned to Bengaluru after being instructed by Income Tax officials to remain present during the searches. His wife and two children are expected to arrive in the city early Saturday.
A larger-than-life social media presence
Despite the turmoil, Roy maintained a strong social media presence, with over 1.3 million followers on Instagram. His account, though comments were disabled, showcased a glamorous lifestyle — luxury cars, private helicopters, international travel, family moments and high-end real estate projects.
His final Instagram post was a Republic Day greeting. Dressed in a blue blazer and smiling, Roy wrote, “A Very Happy Republic Day.” The post has since garnered close to five lakh views, adding to the sense of disbelief among followers.
Under the tax scanner
Roy, who was promoting multiple premium real estate projects in Kerala, had come under the Income Tax department’s scanner amid a broader crackdown on builders. Officials from Kerala reportedly conducted searches at his premises on December 3, December 6, and again on January 28.
From setbacks to stardom
Roy had earlier spoken publicly about the struggles that marked his initial journey in real estate. His first project in Kakkanad, Kerala — comprising around 100 flats — reportedly saw no sales despite extensive roadshows. A turning point came after a chance meeting with a Malayalam television executive in Mumbai, following which Roy offered a flat as the prize for a reality show.
He went on to become the show’s brand ambassador, quickly turning into a household name. The exposure boosted his profile and helped revive sales, eventually making him one of Kerala’s most recognisable real estate faces.
As investigations continue, authorities are examining the sequence of events leading up to Roy’s death. The allegations raised by his family have added a sensitive dimension to the case, with calls growing for a transparent and thorough probe.