Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 21: Investigations into the brutal murder of former Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash have revealed a disturbing sequence of events, with his wife Pallavi emerging as the prime accused. Bengaluru Police detained both Pallavi and the couple’s daughter for questioning on Monday as they probe deeper into what is suspected to be a premeditated act.
Pallavi was brought to the police station in a Hoysala patrol vehicle after initial reports linked her to the crime. According to police sources, she had sent a message to the wife of a serving IPS officer shortly after the incident, stating she had "finished off a monster". It has also come to light that she made a video call following the alleged murder.
Investigators suspect that the crime, which involved multiple stab wounds, may not have been committed by one person alone. Hence, the daughter is also being questioned. Police sources indicated that a WhatsApp message sent to a family group by Pallavi accused Om Prakash of threatening her and their daughter with a gun, and urged someone to lodge a complaint against him.
According to preliminary findings, Om Prakash was first assaulted with chilli powder and oil before being stabbed over 12 times in the neck, chest, abdomen and head. Evidence suggests he struggled for nearly 10 minutes before succumbing to his injuries. Two knives and a bottle have been seized from the crime scene.
Pallavi is said to have confessed to the murder during initial questioning, stating that she acted in self-defence. However, officials are yet to issue a formal statement. She reportedly claimed that her daughter was locked in another room during the incident, though police are verifying this claim.
Sources added that Pallavi was undergoing treatment for a mental health condition resembling schizophrenia and had made multiple visits to psychiatric centres. Om Prakash had reportedly spoken to friends about his wish to live separately following his daughter’s marriage, due to ongoing marital discord.
Police said the accused initially refused to open the door when they arrived at the couple’s HSR Layout residence on Sunday, delaying access for over 30 minutes. Both mother and daughter also reportedly created a commotion at the police station on Monday morning, refusing to exit the vehicle and shouting at officers.
The incident is believed to have taken place between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm on Sunday. Sources revealed that Om Prakash and Pallavi had been in conflict for over a decade, with frequent arguments linked to property-related disputes. One source said Pallavi had grown increasingly angry over Om Prakash’s decision to transfer a property in Dandeli to his brothers.
Om Prakash, a native of Champaran in Bihar and a 1981 batch IPS officer, had served in key roles including as Commandant General of Home Guards and Director General of Police in 2015. He had also held postings in the Fire and Emergency Services, State Vigilance Commission, Karnataka Lokayukta, CID, and as Transport Commissioner. Notably, he had played a critical role in investigations into the 2013 BJP office blast and the 2014 Church Street bombing in Bengaluru.
The HSR Layout police are continuing their investigation into the case.