Dubai-based Indian expat businessman Dr C.J. Roy, Chairman and owner of Confident Group, has died by suicide at the age of 57, according to news reports.

As per reports, Dr Roy was found dead at his office in the Anepalya area of central Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Friday. Police said the incident came to light after staff members alerted authorities, following which senior officials and forensic teams reached the scene. He was declared dead at the spot.

Investigation Underway

Initial police inquiries indicate that Dr Roy was alone at the time of the incident. Authorities have registered a case of suicide and initiated standard procedures, including forensic examination and a post-mortem. Police have not confirmed the recovery of a suicide note and said investigations are ongoing to understand the circumstances surrounding his death.

Officers are examining both personal and professional aspects of his life and are speaking with family members, colleagues and close associates. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation until the investigation is complete.

About Confident Group

Founded in 2005, Confident Group is a well-known real estate and infrastructure developer with projects spanning residential apartments, villas, commercial complexes and mixed-use developments across Karnataka and other parts of India. Over two decades, the company built a strong presence in both mid-segment and premium housing markets.

Dr Roy, a native of Kochi, Kerala, was widely regarded as a hands-on entrepreneur who played a central role in the company’s growth, strategy and operations.

Movie Projects

In addition to his work in property development, he was actively involved in the film and entertainment industry, producing and co-producing several Malayalam and Kannada films, including Casanovva, Ladies and Gentleman, Mei Hoom Moosa and Identity. He also co-produced the National Award-winning epic Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham and served as a prize partner and sponsor for Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10, integrating Confident Group branding into the popular reality show.

His movies include Mohanlal’s big-budget release Casanova, and the yet to be released project Anomie, starring Rahman and Bhavana.

Industry Reaction and Next Steps

News of his death sent shockwaves through business and real estate circles, with employees and industry peers expressing grief and disbelief. Several associates described him as a driven entrepreneur with a strong work ethic and sharp business acumen.

Company sources said internal discussions are underway to ensure leadership continuity and operational stability. Ongoing projects are expected to continue as planned, though a formal review of the management structure may be announced in the coming days.

Broader Conversation on Mental Health

The incident has renewed conversations around mental health and the pressures faced by entrepreneurs and senior executives, particularly in sectors such as real estate that have been grappling with rising costs, regulatory demands and financing challenges.

Source: NIE

The passing of Gopichand Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, marks the loss of a remarkable visionary whose leadership transcended borders and industries.  The chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of Britain’s wealthiest businessmen died in London on Tuesday, November 4, at the age of 85, according to PTI. Fondly known as ‘GP’ in global business circles, Hinduja had been unwell for several weeks and passed away in a London hospital, said sources.

Under his stewardship, the Hinduja Group evolved into a diversified multinational conglomerate spanning automotive, energy, banking, infrastructure, and technology, with a growing footprint in the Gulf region, particularly in the UAE.

He recognised the UAE not just as a commercial hub, but as a key growth market and a platform for innovation and sustainability. His belief in the nation’s vision of economic diversification inspired strategic collaborations that strengthened local industries while deepening India’s enduring partnership with the Emirates.

Hinduja also acknowledged the region’s dynamic reforms and its emergence as the ‘Capital of Global Wealth,’ aligning perfectly with the Group’s guiding philosophy of ‘think local, act global.’ Under his direction, the UAE became an essential regional hub for the Hinduja Group’s business expansions across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

One of the Group’s most promising ventures in the region is Switch Mobility, formed through the merger of Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle division and the UK-based Optare. The company exemplifies Hinduja’s long-term vision for a greener, smarter future. In line with the UAE’s sustainability goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Switch Mobility had planned trial runs of its electric buses and light trucks in both countries this year, signalling a new era of sustainable mobility in the Middle East.

Hinduja’s influence was never confined to business. He believed deeply in “business with a purpose”, emphasising philanthropy, education, and community empowerment as integral parts of success. His humility, spirituality, and people-first leadership style earned him respect across continents.

As the UAE continues to evolve as a hub for innovation and sustainable development, Gopichand Hinduja’s legacy endures in every partnership, investment, and idea that bridges nations for a better tomorrow. 

Gopichand Hinduja leaves behind his spouse Sunita, two sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter Rita.

Sources: India Today, Gulf News, PTI

The Consulate General of India in Dubai has officially launched the Passport Seva Programme 2.0 (PSP 2.0) on October 28, introducing a smoother, faster, and more digital experience for passport-related services.

The upgraded system includes e-passports, embedded with an electronic chip that stores digitised data, allowing for quicker and more secure immigration checks at airports.

From now on, Indian expats must apply or renew their passports exclusively through the new online portal at https://mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp/AuthNavigation/Login. The revamped website enables users to upload ICAO-compliant photos, signatures, and documents directly, thereby reducing waiting times at BLS centres across the UAE.

Applicants are reminded to follow ICAO photo guidelines before uploading their images to avoid delays.

In a welcome change, minor corrections to applications can now be made at BLS centres, with no extra fees and no need to start over. Once the form is submitted online, applicants simply print it out, book an appointment via BLS International, and bring the form and documents to their scheduled visit.

According to the Consulate, this move marks a major step toward modernising consular services, making passport issuance faster, more transparent, and user-friendly for the Indian community in the UAE.

The PSP 2.0 rollout reflects India’s ongoing digital transformation, aiming to bring advanced biometric passports and smoother processing to millions of citizens abroad.