Kochi, Feb 9 (NationPress) Managing Director T.A. Joseph of Confident Group addressed the media on Monday to reassure stakeholders regarding the company’s stability following the passing of its founder and chairman, C.J. Roy. He emphasized that the prominent real estate firm remains financially robust, operationally engaged, and unaffected by this unfortunate event.

During the media briefing in Kochi, Joseph stated that the absence of Roy would not hinder any ongoing projects or commitments to clients. He highlighted that Confident Group operates as a “zero-debt company”, with no financial obligations to banks, private entities, or individuals.

“We have consistently conducted our business with integrity. Our approach is straightforward—sales, collections, and construction—and the confidence of our clients is our greatest asset,” he said.

Joseph confirmed that activities have resumed across all project sites, with only painting tasks remaining in two towers in Bengaluru, which will be finalized shortly.

The company is actively managing 26 projects, and in Kerala, 12 projects were announced two months prior, with eight already launched.

Additionally, two more projects are set to be unveiled in the state on Saturday.

Joseph dismissed rumors of financial difficulties, asserting that the company had navigated previous economic challenges with ease.

“We faced no issues during demonetization or the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, while the world was in lockdown for a month during COVID, we conducted transactions totaling Rs 18 crore,” he stated, noting that the company received Rs 25 crore in collections in the last week with no outstanding payments.

Regarding allegations of harassment by Income Tax officials, Joseph refuted these claims, stating that officials were merely fulfilling their duties and that the Group was content with the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Roy’s death.

He clarified that earlier statements made by Roy’s brother concerning alleged harassment stemmed from incomplete information and have since been corrected.

Joseph also rejected reports suggesting business connections between Roy and film industry figures, asserting that the chairman’s associations with actor Mohanlal and producer Antony Perumbavoor were strictly personal.

While acknowledging Roy's passion for cinema and his practice of lending money to actors, he insisted there were no business interests involved.

Describing Roy as a determined individual and a loving family man, Joseph noted that the chairman communicated with his wife and children multiple times every day.

He also refuted media claims about suicide notes, stating that only a few personal directives were discovered and subsequently handed over to the family and then to the SIT.

Joseph expressed gratitude to the media for their support, noting that aside from a few online channels, most outlets had stood by the Group during this challenging period. He also mentioned that the Kerala Chief Minister had expressed support, further bolstering confidence in the company’s future.