Himanshu Roy's death: Suicide note found at former ATS chief's house

Himanshu Roy. Pic/Datta Kumbhar

Himanshu Roy, Additional Director General of police who was undergoing treatment for cancer, has reportedly committed suicide at his residence. According to reports, Roy shot himself with his service revolver at his government residence in Mumbai. Roy was rushed to a Mumbai hospital, where he was declared brought dead. He is believed to have shot himself between 12pm to 1pm.

Recent reports state that the body of Himanshu Roy has been taken to GT hospital for a post mortem and his wife has left for the hospital as well. Top IPS officials told Mid-Day that the police have found a suicide note from Himanshu Roy's house which states, "No one is responsible for my suicide."

The former ATS Himanshu Roy was taken to Bombay Hospital. File Pic

Police Commissioner DD Padasalgikar visited Bombay Hospital and the Railway commissioner Niket Kaushik outside Bombay hospital. He was additional commissioner of police in Mumbai Crime Branch and also DIG in ATS under Himanshu Roy. In a statement MN Singh, former CP said, "I am shocked with the incident, we have lost one of the best officers from police force."

Himanshu Roy was a 1988 batch IPS officer was the longest serving Joint Commissioner of Police, Mumbai Crime Branch. He was also the ATS chief, Nashik SP, DCP Zone 1, Mumbai. Retired IPS officer, Iqbal Sheikh said,"I am deeply shocked and stunned. I have worked with him. I just can't believe he took such drastic step."

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra posted on social media, "Sad to hear about the shocking demise of Himanshu Roy, He was an officer known for his bravery and integrity. His contribution to states law and order will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family."

People throng Bombay Hospital after Himanshu Roy was taken in

Who was Himanshu Roy?

Himanshu Roy who was from the 1988-batch Indian Police Service officer, had served in elite groups of the Maharashtra Police, including as chief of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and in the Crime Branch.

Roy is credited with being involved in the solving of a string of prominent cases, including the murders of journalist J Dey, fringe Bollywood actor Laila Khan and law graduate Pallavi Purkhayasta in Mumbai. He was also part of the team which pursued leads related to American-born Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist David Headley, who was involved in carrying out a recce mission ahead of the 26/11 terror strike.

Roy, who was joint commissioner of police (Crime) from 2012-2014, is credited with leading the investigation into the IPL betting scandal. He was then transferred to the state ATS. During his tenure as the agency's chief, software engineer Anees Ansari was arrested for allegedly planning to blow up the American school at the Bandra Kurla complex.

With Inputs from PTI

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