Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Aug 30: In a major development in the high-profile murder case of retired DGP Om Prakash, a city sessions court on Friday extended the judicial custody of his wife, Pallavi, while also directing that she be provided free legal aid to ensure fair representation.

During a virtual appearance from jail, Pallavi informed the court that she had no lawyer to argue on her behalf. When questioned, she told the bench that she was financially unable to engage legal counsel. Following this, the court ordered the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to provide her with legal assistance. Pallavi gave her consent for the same.

The court further directed DLSA to appoint a lawyer who could consult Pallavi and update her on the case developments.

Meanwhile, advocate Vinay Kumar Singh, representing the original complainant, submitted an application under Section 338(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) seeking permission to assist the prosecution. The court accepted the plea, allowing him to work alongside the Special Public Prosecutor during the trial.

Pallavi’s judicial custody has now been extended until the next hearing, which is scheduled for September 12.

The case dates back to April 20, when 68-year-old retired IPS officer Om Prakash was found dead at his residence in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout. Based on a complaint filed by his son Karthikesh, police arrested Pallavi on charges of murder, sparking shockwaves in the state’s police fraternity.