By Bengaluru, April 21 — In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the police and political circles in Karnataka, former Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash was allegedly murdered by his wife, Pallavi, in their upscale residence in HSR Layout, Bengaluru. The incident has taken a disturbing turn as claims of long-term domestic abuse, mental illness, and paranoia surface in the wake of the brutal crime.
The Incident
Om Prakash, a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1981 batch hailing from Bihar, was found dead in a pool of blood on the ground floor of his three-storeyed house on Sunday evening. According to the Bengaluru Police, preliminary investigation revealed that the former top cop was stabbed multiple times, allegedly by his wife. Before attacking him with a knife, Pallavi reportedly threw chili powder into his face, leaving him disoriented and defenseless.
The crime scene revealed signs of struggle, with a broken glass bottle and a blood-stained knife found near the body. Om Prakash was immediately rushed to St. John’s Hospital, but was declared brought dead by the medical team.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The police arrested Pallavi shortly after the incident, based on a formal complaint filed by the couple’s son, Kartikesh, who suspected both his mother Pallavi and sister Kriti of involvement in the murder. Pallavi has since been remanded to 14-day judicial custody, while investigations continue into the role of other family members.
As per police sources, Om Prakash had recently moved out of the home following threats to his life from Pallavi. However, his daughter Kriti reportedly visited him at his sister’s house and persuaded him to return home two days prior to the incident.
Allegations of Domestic Violence and Poisoning
When police officials brought Pallavi to the crime scene for reconstruction, she reportedly claimed that years of domestic violence and psychological abuse had driven her to commit the act. According to a report by NDTV, Pallavi accused her late husband of poisoning her food and water over an extended period, supposedly with the help of household staff and external agents.
In several messages shared with WhatsApp groups, including one reportedly directed at an IPS officers’ group, Pallavi claimed she was a “hostage under surveillance”. She alleged that wherever she went, she was tracked, and her food and water were being “adulterated”. “With God’s grace, I have been able to detox myself using ghee and lemon (nimbu),” she wrote in one message.
She also claimed that she had repeatedly asked her husband to live separately, citing emotional and psychological trauma not just for herself but for her daughter Kriti as well. “This isn’t just about me. My daughter is suffering too,” she mentioned in one of her communications.
Mental Health Concerns
Pallavi is reportedly suffering from schizophrenia, a severe mental health disorder that can affect a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, and distinguish reality from delusions. While this claim is being examined by police, mental health professionals may be involved to assess her psychological condition and how it could relate to her actions.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, as the authorities will have to consider whether Pallavi was in full control of her mental faculties during the incident.
The Son’s Testimony
Kartikesh, in his complaint to the police, stated that his mother had been repeatedly threatening to kill his father. Fearing for his safety, Om Prakash had temporarily relocated. According to Kartikesh, his sister Kriti allegedly convinced him to return home, leading to the fatal encounter.
“On Sunday at around 5 PM, while I was at the Karnataka Golf Association in Domlur, I received a call from a neighbor informing me that something was wrong at home. I rushed back and found my father lying injured in a pool of blood,” Kartikesh explained in his statement. “My mother and sister used to frequently quarrel with my father. I strongly suspect their involvement in his murder,” he added.
Public Reaction and Fallout
The murder of a former DGP under such distressing and controversial circumstances has sparked public debate, with reactions ranging from outrage to sympathy for the mental health concerns of Pallavi. Former colleagues of Om Prakash described him as a strict yet fair officer who had an illustrious career in law enforcement.
Meanwhile, women’s rights groups have urged authorities to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation, especially considering the allegations of domestic abuse raised by Pallavi.
Ongoing Investigation
The police are currently examining CCTV footage, call records, and digital evidence, including WhatsApp messages, to build a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the murder. Investigators have also confirmed that house staff and family members will be questioned further.
Authorities are also consulting forensic experts and medical professionals to validate Pallavi’s claims of being poisoned and her mental health status.
As the investigation unfolds, the case continues to captivate public attention, raising questions about domestic violence, mental health, and the complexities of family conflict — even in the homes of society’s most powerful.
