Flamboyance, disputes and a shocking attack: The complex life of CJ Roy

Bengaluru: The shooting incident involving CJ Roy, founder of the Confident Group, has brought renewed focus on a man whose life was marked by flamboyant success, persistent controversy and a constant effort to reclaim his public image.

Though Roy’s business interests spanned continents, his early roots lay firmly in Karnataka.

An alumnus of Christ School in Bengaluru, he later moved to Tumakuru to pursue an engineering degree.

Those familiar with his formative years recall a man driven by ambition, who began his professional journey as a salesman with a small electronics firm dealing in computers.

Roy’s entry into large-scale real estate came through the Crystal Group, where he worked closely with Latha Namboothiri, rising from manager to director.

However, the launch of the Confident Group in 2005 was accompanied by industry speculation.

Insiders speak of a fallout involving alleged “benami” properties and claims of deception that paved the way for his independent venture — a narrative Roy spent years attempting to distance himself from, a close associate told DH.

A tale of two cities

Roy’s business career unfolded very differently across geographies.

In Dubai, he earned a reputation as a visionary developer, completing massive luxury residential projects in record time — some in as little as 11 months.

His lavish lifestyle in the Emirates and ability to deliver projects swiftly stood in sharp contrast to his standing in Bengaluru.

Back home, Roy’s image was more fractured.

Sources say he largely stayed away from Bengaluru for years following disputes over unpaid dues to vendors and suppliers.

“There was a time when he could not even enter the city,” a person familiar with his dealings said. Several projects were reportedly stalled, and allegations of unfulfilled commitments to cement and steel suppliers followed him.

Roy’s re-entry into Bengaluru’s business and social circles began around 2018, marked by a deliberate effort at rebranding.

His appointment as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic lent diplomatic legitimacy, which he leveraged alongside visible CSR initiatives, including ambulance donations and high-profile charity events. 

Heavy police presence in Langford Town

Police personnel from the Central division were deployed outside the Confident Group building in Langford Town.

The building also houses the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru.

The otherwise busy premises, located close to Hosur Road, wore a deserted look on Friday in the aftermath of the tragedy.