In a shocking and tragic incident, former Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash was found murdered at his residence in Bengaluru on Sunday. The 68-year-old retired IPS officer, who served with distinction during his career, was reportedly killed following a violent altercation with his wife, Pallavi.
According to sources, the couple had a heated argument on Sunday afternoon, allegedly over a property dispute involving assets transferred to a relative. During the confrontation, Pallavi is said to have thrown chilli powder at her husband, tied him up, and then fatally stabbed him. Investigators say two knives and a broken glass bottle were used in the brutal assault.
Om Prakash sustained multiple stab wounds to his abdomen and chest. His body was discovered lying in a pool of blood, with injuries also visible on his head. He was rushed to St. John’s Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Sources reveal that following the crime, Pallavi made a phone call to the wife of a fellow police officer and confessed to the murder. The officer’s wife then informed her husband, who alerted the police. Law enforcement officials quickly reached the scene and detained both Pallavi and the couple’s daughter, Kruthi, for questioning. The two have reportedly been interrogated for over 12 hours.
The case has been registered based on a formal complaint by Om Prakash’s son, Kartikhesh. In his statement, Kartikhesh detailed prior threats made by his mother and sister against his father. He claimed that due to these threats, Om Prakash had temporarily moved in with his sister, Ms. Saritha Kumari. However, just two days before the murder, Kruthi allegedly visited Saritha’s residence and persuaded her father to return home against his wishes.
“My mother, Mrs. Pallavi, had been threatening to kill my father for the past week. Due to these threats, he had gone to stay with his sister. Two days ago, my younger sister Kruthi brought him back home,” Kartikhesh wrote in his complaint.
He added that he was not present at the house when the murder occurred, and was informed by a neighbor about the incident. Upon reaching the residence around 5:45 PM, he found police officials and bystanders already at the scene.
“Both my mother and sister have been suffering from depression and often argued with my father. I strongly believe they are involved in his murder,” Kartikhesh alleged.
Police have not yet confirmed the daughter’s involvement, but investigations are underway. The police have taken possession of the weapons used in the crime and are continuing forensic examinations.
Bengaluru Additional Commissioner of Police Vikas Kumar confirmed that police were alerted about the incident around 4 AM on Monday.
Reacting to the news, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, “Retired Director General of Police Om Prakash has been murdered. Preliminary information indicates that his wife may be responsible, but the investigation is ongoing. He was a good officer and a good human being. This is a deeply unfortunate incident.”
Om Prakash was an Indian Police Service officer of the 1981 batch. Over his career, he held several key positions, including heading Fire and Emergency Services and Home Guards, before being appointed as DGP in 2015. Born in Bihar, he held a Master’s degree in Geology.
As the investigation continues, the state remains in shock over the tragic end of one of its most respected law enforcement officers.
