A Shocking Fall from Grace
In a case that has left Karnataka’s police and political circles stunned, retired Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash was found murdered at his residence in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout on Sunday. The 68-year-old former top cop, who once commanded the state’s police force, is believed to have been killed following a violent altercation with his wife, Pallavi. The circumstances surrounding his death—marked by allegations of domestic strife, property disputes, and gruesome violence—have triggered a full-scale investigation and drawn widespread attention.
Om Prakash, an IPS officer of the 1981 batch, had led various arms of Karnataka’s police services and was known for his composed leadership. His murder under such disturbing circumstances not only raises questions about personal conflict within his household but also underlines how power, legacy, and familial discord can collide with fatal consequences.
Murder in Broad Daylight: What We Know So Far
According to police sources, Om Prakash and his wife got into a heated argument on the afternoon of his death. The quarrel, reportedly over the transfer of property to a relative, escalated quickly. In a shocking turn, Pallavi allegedly threw chilli powder in his eyes, tied him up, and stabbed him multiple times using a kitchen knife. He was also assaulted with a glass bottle.
The incident took place in the presence of their daughter, though her involvement remains under investigation. After the crime, Pallavi allegedly called the wife of a fellow officer and confessed to the murder, triggering the chain of events that led to police intervention.
Upon arriving at the residence, police found the main door locked. Officers, including HSR Layout police and Zonal DCP Sarah Fatima, eventually gained entry and detained Pallavi and her daughter. The two were interrogated for over 12 hours, though no formal arrest has yet been recorded.
Suspicions and Motive: Domestic Disputes and Property Tensions
Investigators believe a long-standing dispute over property division may have been at the heart of the fatal confrontation. Sources close to the family suggest that Om Prakash intended to transfer most of his assets to his son, a decision that allegedly enraged Pallavi and deepened tensions at home.
Adding complexity to the case, Pallavi had reportedly accused her husband of harassment in a family WhatsApp group. She also alleged that Om Prakash had threatened her and their daughter with a firearm. In contrast, the retired officer had reportedly confided in close colleagues about mental stress caused by his wife’s behavior.
These conflicting narratives will be central to the police investigation, which is now examining whether there was a premeditated motive, a spur-of-the-moment act of rage, or potential accomplices involved.
Legal Proceedings and Evidence Collection
While a case is yet to be formally registered, authorities have confirmed that a complaint from Om Prakash’s son is expected soon. Preliminary investigations have led to the recovery of a blood-stained knife believed to have been used in the attack. Forensic testing is underway to establish conclusive links.
Police officials have secured the crime scene, and Om Prakash’s body was sent to St John’s Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The findings will play a pivotal role in determining the exact sequence of events and corroborating witness statements. The cremation is expected to take place once the body is released to the family.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, speaking on the incident, said: “Preliminary information indicates his wife committed the crime, but it’s under investigation. He worked with me when I was Home Minister in 2015 — a good officer and a good human being. This shouldn’t have happened.”
A Family Tragedy with Public Reverberations
The murder of Om Prakash, a man once responsible for maintaining law and order across Karnataka, has cast a dark shadow over the state’s law enforcement fraternity. That the alleged assailant is his own wife has only intensified the public scrutiny and media attention.
Beyond the personal tragedy, this case highlights the silent undercurrents of domestic conflict, even in families that appear powerful and composed from the outside. As the investigation unfolds, the legal system must now navigate the complexities of motive, mental state, and familial trauma to deliver justice for a man who once stood at the helm of the state’s police force.
(With inputs from agencies)
