Former ATS chief Himanshu Roy commits suicide, shot self with service revolver

Former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Chief Himanshu Roy allegedly committed suicide on Friday afternoon.

Roy, who served as Maharashtra ATS chief, allegedly shot himself using his own revolver around 1:40 pm at his residence in South Mumbai today. He was brought dead to Bombay Hospital.

An IPS officer of Maharashtra Cadre 1988 batch, Roy completed his studies from St. Xavier’s college in South Mumbai and was currently serving as Additional Director General of Police of Maharashtra.

According to reports, the cop was suffering from Cancer and had gone on a long leave on medical grounds. However, it is not known if it was his prolonged sickness that prompted him to take the extreme step.

Roy was a celebrated officer who cracked several high profile cases in his 15 year long career.

Some of his prominent cases include the firing on Dawood’s brother Iqbal Kaskar’s driver Arif Bael, Journalist J Dey murder case, the double murder case involving Vijay Palande, Laila Khan murder case and the recent murder of law graduate Pallavi Purkhayasta.

As the ATS chief, he was responsible for the arrest of software engineer Anees Ansari, who was allegedly planning to blow up the American School at Bandra Kurla Complex.

Prior to his stint as the ATS chief, he worked as the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) in Mumbai from 2010 to 2014.

During his tenure, he solved several sensational cases, including that Indian Premier League spot-fixing case in which he arrested actor Vindu Dara Singh for alleged links to bookies.

“He was a very bright officer. Such a tragedy,” MN Singh, one of his superiors, was quoted saying.

Roy is also reportedly credited with setting up of Mumbai’s first Cyber Crime Cell, anti-dacoity measures in rural Maharashtra and a special cell to tackle crimes against women.

Further details are awaited.

Note: This article has been updated with additional information since it was first published.