Bengaluru: A dark cloud of grief hung over Bannerghatta Road Sunday as hundreds of people gathered to pay their final respects to the late Confident Group chairman CJ Roy. The atmosphere at Roy’s Nature’s Luxuri resort, which hosted the public viewing, was heart-wrenching in the morning as his body was received by his family. His mother appeared inconsolable, calling out his name, while his children and brothers stood by in pain. The funeral drew a massive crowd of mourners, with queues stretching far beyond the temporary viewing hall. Actor-producer Antony Perumbavoor, a close associate of Mollywood actor Mohanlal, was among the prominent personalities present.“I knew him for a long time. Mohanlal, him, and I travelled together a lot. It was at this very venue that our movie ‘Casanovva’ was launched. I have plenty of memories with him, which I can’t finish expressing easily. He was associated with a lot of films, and he always held me close. From the day we met, he gave me a lot of insights and memories,” Antony told reporters.State transport minister Ramalinga Reddy called Roy a “brave man” and expressed concerns about his death. “I knew Roy and his family for 20-30 years. He grew to great heights in the real estate business, but it is sad to know that he died by suicide. May his soul rest in peace, and more strength to his family. Let us wait and see what comes out in the (probe) report. I don’t understand why he attempted suicide, he shouldn’t have done so. He had the ability to handle any issue.”
