Bitcoin scam investigator IPS Vamshi Krishna to lead SIT probe into CJ Roy’s death

Bengaluru

IPS officer C Vamshi Krishna, who earlier played a key role in the high-profile Bitcoin scam investigation, will now lead the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the death of Bengaluru-based builder CJ Roy, owner of the Confident Group.

The Bengaluru City Police on Saturday announced the formation of the SIT to conduct a detailed probe into the circumstances surrounding Roy’s death. In an official statement issued on January 31, Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said the SIT was constituted to ensure a “comprehensive and meticulous investigation” and that the case had been formally transferred to the team.

Vamshi Krishna, currently serving as Joint Commissioner of Police (West Zone), has been appointed as the head of the SIT. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Division), Lokesh Jagalasar, will act as the Investigating Officer. Central Division DCP Akshay Hake has also been included as a member, along with other senior officers drawn from various divisions and specialised units.

CJ Roy allegedly died by suicide on January 30 in Bengaluru. The incident triggered sharp reactions from his family, who accused officials of the Income Tax Department of harassing him and pushing him to the extreme step. The family has specifically named Kerala-based income tax officials, including an additional commissioner from Thiruvananthapuram, in their allegations.

Roy’s brother, CJ Babu of WhiteGold, told the media that income tax teams had been conducting searches at Roy’s Bengaluru premises for three consecutive days. According to the family, Roy allegedly shot himself inside his office during the course of these proceedings. He was rushed to Narayana Hospital in HSR Layout, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police officials said income tax raids were carried out on Friday afternoon on suspicion of tax-related irregularities. Roy was reportedly questioned for about an hour and was then asked to fetch documents from another room. It was during this time, police said, that he allegedly shot himself. An SIT-led probe will now examine all aspects of the case, including the circumstances leading up to his death.