Confident Group chariman C.J. Roy’s death sends shock waves through Kerala

The news of the alleged suicide of prominent builder C.J. Roy has sent shock waves across Kerala, particularly in Kochi, where Confident Group, the company he founded and chaired, has delivered numerous residential projects.

His death coincides with the 20th anniversary of Confident Group, which has completed multiple projects in Kerala, Karnataka, and Dubai, along with several ongoing ventures. The news has left the company’s staff at its Kochi headquarters devastated.

Reportedly, Mr. Roy founded Confident Group after a failed partnership with another construction company in Kerala. His rise was almost meteoric since he established Confident Group in 2006, at a time when the world was grappling with a near economic recession.

He soon became a showman of sorts, turning the company into a household name by sponsoring several popular television shows and produced or co-produced multiple films, including Casanovva (2012), Ladies and Gentleman (2013), Mei Hoom Moosa (2022), Identity (2025), and Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021).

Beyond real estate, Mr. Roy invested in sports, hospitality, entertainment, education, aviation, and international trade. His collection of luxury cars — including Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Bugatti Veyron, McLaren 720, and Koenigsegg Agera — along with his ownership of a helicopter, added to his larger-than-life persona.

Although his family originally hailed from Chavakkad in Thrissur district in Kerala, Mr. Roy was born and raised in Bengaluru and completed his education abroad. He turned to entrepreneurship after quitting his job with a Fortune 500 company.

Confident Group has reportedly delivered more than hundred projects across Kerala, Karnataka, and Dubai. In Kerala, projects were completed in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kottayam.

His wife, Lini Roy and children Rohit Roy and Riya Roy also serve as directors of the company, with Mr. Rohit overseeing operations in Dubai.

The raids in Bengaluru were part of a probe into possible tax evasion by Confident Group, said Income Tax department sources at the Kochi unit.

A team led by an officer in Thiruvananthpuram conducted the probe into possible tax evasions by builders, including Confident Group.

Further details of tax evasion can be known only after the officials prepare a report based on findings from the raid, which could take up to months, sources said.