Ex-Karnataka top cop stabbed to death in Bengaluru: Did wife attack him over property dispute?

Former Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash was found dead at his home in Bengaluru on Sunday.

His body was found in a pool of blood on the ground floor of his three-storey residence located in the posh HSR Layout area.

Initial police findings suggest that he may have been killed, likely with a sharp weapon.

ALSO READ | Bihar man accused of killing 5-year-old shot dead in encounter in Karnataka: What we know

While no one has been arrested yet, the police had detained Om Prakash’s wife, Pallavi, for questioning in the evening.

In this report, we take a look at how Om Prakash died, his background, what is known about possible suspects, and the progress of the investigation so far.

More from Explainers

Western media’s denial of Hindu massacre in Kashmir is as monstrous as the terror attack ‘You killed my father, kill us as well…Tell all this to Modi’: Pahalgam terror attack survivor recalls horror

What happened?

Prakash was found dead in the living room of his home in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout.

The 68-year-old was a 1981 batch IPS officer who took charge as Karnataka’s Director General of Police in February 2015.

His body, which had injuries, was found inside his house, leading police to suspect foul play.

It was Om Prakash’s wife, Pallavi, who informed police about the incident, officials said. Senior officers arrived at the residence shortly after the call.

Recounting the events, Additional Commissioner of Police Vikash Kumar Vikash told reporters that police received a message around 4.30 PM, following which a patrol team was sent to the scene.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

Ghaziabad woman dead, pilgrims attacked in bus… How Nepal’s Gen-Z protests turned into a living hell for Indian tourists

Were bodyguards involved in Charlie Kirk’s shooting? The many conspiracies surrounding the killing

Vikash added that Prakash’s son had filed a complaint, based on which an FIR process was being initiated.

Reports suggest that the retired officer had recently shared fears about threats to his life with a few close contacts.

Police suspect a close family member may be involved in the incident.

Who are the suspects?

The former DGP’s wife is currently the main suspect and is being questioned by police in connection with the murder.

Sources told News18 that Pallavi may have killed him using a kitchen knife. Their daughter was reportedly at home, in a different part of the house, when the incident took place.

Pallavi allegedly called the wife of another retired DGP and admitted to the killing. That woman then contacted the police by dialling 112, according to the report. Pallavi was taken into custody soon after.

#WATCH | Karnataka: Visuals from outside the residence of former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash, who was found dead yesterday at his residence in Bengaluru's HSR Layout. pic.twitter.com/wFQpU29dGJ

— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025

According to a report by India Today, the deceased’s son, Kartik, has alleged that his mother was responsible for the killing of the former top police officer, citing her severe mental health condition.

Based on Kartik’s complaint, the police have filed charges against Pallavi and her daughter, Kruti.

In his complaint, Kartik stated that Pallavi, who is now the main accused, had been living with schizophrenia for the past 12 years and was receiving medical treatment.

ALSO READ | 50 body pieces, foul smell: How shocking murder of Bengaluru woman found inside refrigerator unravels

What was the reason for the murder?

Om Prakash and his wife are believed to have argued over financial matters and property after he transferred one of his properties to his relatives, NDTV reported.

According to the report, the disagreement escalated on the evening of the incident, during which Pallavi allegedly overpowered him and stabbed him several times.

During the dispute, she reportedly threw chilli powder at him, tied him up, and then stabbed him, the media outlet reported.

He was attacked with two knives, and a glass bottle was also reportedly used during the assault.

As he collapsed and remained in pain for around 10 minutes, Pallavi reportedly sat still on a chair without reacting, police sources told Deccan Herald.

Sources close to the family told News18 that tensions had been stewing between the couple for a long time and had worsened recently.

Although Prakash had been living separately for some time due to marital differences, he had returned to the family home not long ago, they added.

#WATCH | Karnataka: Security deployed in Bengaluru's HSR Layout after former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash was killed at his residence.

(Visuals from outside the former DGP's residence) pic.twitter.com/56zSBuw3uR

— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025

These sources also said Pallavi was being treated for health-related issues and had posted cryptic messages in private WhatsApp groups, suggesting she feared she was being poisoned. Police, however, said these claims were unverified and lacked evidence.

A senior officer told The Times of India that Pallavi had sent a message via WhatsApp claiming her husband was roaming the house armed and intended to kill her. While there is suspicion of mental illness, police have yet to confirm her medical condition.

Who was Om Prakash?

Om Prakash, a 1981 batch IPS officer, was a native of Champaran in Bihar.

He held a master’s degree in Geology and began his police career as an additional superintendent of police in Harapanahalli.

He went on to serve as ASP in Ballari and SP in Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts.

His career included roles in the state Lokayukta, Fire and Emergency Services, and the Crime Investigation Department (CID).

From 2015 until his retirement in 2017, he served as the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) in Karnataka.

According to TOI, his long career featured notable contributions during the 1993 communal riots in Bhatkal and extensive service in the CID, Vigilance Cell, and Lokayukta.

With inputs from agencies