CPI(M), UDF seek comprehensive probe into bizman CJ Roy's death
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The ruling CPI(M) and the Congress-led UDF opposition in Kerala on Saturday sought a comprehensive probe into the death of Confident Group chairman C J Roy, saying that the facts behind the incident should be brought to light.
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan were of the view that the reasons behind the death of Roy needs to be investigated.
Govindan, speaking to reporters here, questioned why central agencies were unable to act in a more humane manner when carrying out raids and other such activities.
He claimed that the raid on Roy's office continued even after his death.
Rahim said, in a Facebook post, that it should also be investigated whether Roy was a victim of the pressure tactics used by central agencies.
He also condoled the businessman's death.
Satheesan said there was a "mystery" behind the death of the businessman and sought a probe into the matter.
"It is not clear what kind of harassment he faced at the hands of the IT officials," he added.
Superstar Mohanlal also condoled the death of the businessman.
"The loss of my dear friend CJ Roy feels unreal and deeply painful. My heart goes out to his family in this time of immense grief.
"He was more than a friend, he will always be remembered with love and warmth," Mohanlal, who has acted in a couple of films produced by the businessman, said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
Roy had shot himself dead on Friday afternoon at his office in Bengaluru amidst an Income Tax raid, police there had said.
Roy's brother, Babu, had alleged that he might have taken the extreme step due to pressure from the central agency.
Babu reiterated the allegations on Saturday before reporters in Bengaluru.
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Realtor 'suicide': K'taka HM directs police to investigate circumstances that led to incident
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said the police have been directed to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the "suicide" of Confident Group chairperson C J Roy, who allegedly shot himself dead his office here when I-T officials were present in connection with earlier searches.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara said the Income Tax Department had earlier conducted searches at Roy's company and were in the process of completing statutory procedures.
"There was a raid in his company in December (last). There is a rule that within 60 days a charge sheet has to be filed in the court. They had to finalise before February 4. Hence, he was summoned," he said.
Roy had recently returned from abroad and was cooperating with the authorities, he added.
"Three days ago, he had returned from Dubai. The I-T officials went to his office to record his statement. He too responded to it," Parameshwara said.
"In the meantime, Roy told the officials that he would be back in five minutes but he did not return even after 20 minutes. Then his suicide came to the notice."
Parameshwara said he has ordered a police inquiry into the incident.
"I have directed police officials to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the incident. Things will be clear only after the report comes out," he said.
He added that Roy's family has linked the incident to the I-T action. "Roy's brother has also given a statement that this incident happened due to I-T raids. Our police officers haven't looked into it from that aspect," he said.
When asked whether there was any political angle to the increasing Income Tax raids, the HM declined to speculate.
"As the Home Minister I would not say anything more than it," he said.
Clarifying on the scope of the probe, Parameshwara said, "Police will only investigate the suicide case. If something else emerges then that will also be investigated."
Real estate tycoon Roy, who was in his late 50s, suffered bullet injuries from his licensed firearm at his office near Richmond Circle in the city.
Soon after a gunshot was heard, staff members rushed to his room and found him lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
I-T sources said searches on Roy's premises had begun about two months ago.
Roy's brother has alleged that he might have taken the extreme step due to pressure from the central agency.
Roy was originally from Kerala.
