Former Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), Om Prakash, a 1981-batch IPS officer, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his residence in Bengaluru’s H.S.R. Layout on Sunday evening, April 20.
The body was discovered in a pool of blood on the ground floor of his three-story residence. The 68-year-old had reportedly suffered multiple stab wounds.
According to police, the incident came to light after his wife, Pallavi, allegedly made a video call to the wife of another retired IPS officer, with whom she shared a close bond. During the call, she reportedly confessed to killing “the monster” – a term she allegedly used for her husband. Alarmed by the call, the friend immediately contacted the police.
Officers from the H.S.R. Layout police station rushed to the house and discovered Om Prakash lying in a pool of blood. His body was later shifted to St John’s Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Pallavi, who was present at the scene, has been taken into custody for questioning. She is currently the prime suspect in the case.
Media reports indicated that Om Prakash had earlier expressed concerns about threats to his life to some of his close associates.
Police have launched an investigation into the retired DGP’s death, while simultaneously questioning his wife and daughter to explore possible leads in the case.
Initial investigations suggest the couple had been facing ongoing marital issues. Pallavi had earlier approached some of her husband’s colleagues alleging threats to her life. Just five days prior to the incident, she reportedly posted a message in a WhatsApp group for IPS officers’ spouses, claiming her husband was attempting to poison her. Further investigations are underway.
WHO WAS OM PRAKASH?
Om Prakash hailed from Champaran district in Bihar and served as the head of Karnataka Police from 2015 until his retirement in 2017. He had a Master of Science (M.Sc) degree in Geology and was appointed as the Karnataka DGP on March 1, 2015.
“He began his career as an Additional Superintendent of Police in Harapanahalli, which was then part of Ballari district, and went on to serve in various locations, including as SP in Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru. He also held key positions in the Lokayukta, and served as DIG in both the Fire and Emergency Services and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
