CJ Roy Death Probe Reveals Legal Stress And Psychiatric Consultation Before Suicide

Fresh details emerging from the probe into the death of prominent real estate businessman CJ Roy, who died by suicide during an Income Tax Department investigation, point to mounting legal and personal stress in the days leading up to his death, investigators said.

According to sources, Roy had approached the High Court shortly before his death to challenge search operations carried out by the Income Tax Department.

A writ petition filed on December 16 questioned the legality of a search and panchnama conducted earlier that month by the Kochi unit of the department.

The petition was submitted on behalf of eight companies linked to Roy, including Confident Projects, Confident Airlines and Confident Resorts, but was withdrawn just two days later,

on December 18.

Investigators have also revealed new technical findings related to the incident. The weapon recovered from the scene has been identified as a 6.35 mm automatic pocket pistol imported from Belgium.

The lightweight firearm was fitted with advanced sound-dampening features, a factor police believe explains why the gunshot was not immediately detected and went unnoticed for nearly 12 minutes.

The pistol and ammunition have been seized and sent for detailed forensic examination to reconstruct the sequence of events.

The probe has further indicated possible mental health concerns.

Officials confirmed that Roy visited a psychiatric facility in Jayanagar on Thursday, January 29, 2026, just a day before his death. During the consultation, he is said to have sought professional help for severe stress and depression.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now piecing together this timeline to assess whether legal and financial pressures contributed to Roy’s state of mind.

As part of the inquiry, Income Tax officials involved in the recent search operations, led by IRS officer Krishna Prasad, have been asked to remain in Bengaluru for further questioning.

An Assistant Commissioner of Police has already conducted preliminary inquiries with the IT team to determine whether the raids may have had a bearing on the businessman’s final days.