In a deeply disturbing turn of events, former Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash was found murdered at his residence in Bengaluru on April 20, 2025. The crime, reportedly committed by his wife Pallavi, has stunned the public, police community, and legal experts alike. Preliminary reports suggest the murder was both premeditated and brutal, rooted in escalating domestic tensions and a bitter property dispute.

Crime Scene and Initial Findings
According to PTI, the incident unfolded after a heated altercation between the couple, during which Pallavi allegedly threw chilli powder into Om Prakash’s eyes, temporarily blinding him. Seizing the moment of disorientation, she then reportedly stabbed him multiple times with a kitchen knife.

The stabbing was so vicious that it left the retired top cop with 8–10 deep wounds on his chest, abdomen, and arms. He died at the scene before any help could arrive. The residence bore signs of a violent struggle, with blood spatters across multiple rooms, indicating the extent of the attack.

A Chilling Confession
Following the fatal assault, Pallavi is said to have made a video call to a close friend, during which she allegedly said, “I have killed the monster.” This statement, now considered a key piece of evidence, is believed to be a spontaneous confession, adding weight to the prosecution’s case against her.

Who Was Om Prakash?
Om Prakash was a 1981-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer originally from Bihar. Having served in several senior roles across Karnataka’s police department, he retired as the DGP, one of the most prestigious and powerful positions in the state’s law enforcement hierarchy.

Widely respected for his leadership and policing acumen, his sudden and violent end has left the police fraternity shaken. Colleagues have described him as “disciplined,” “committed to service,” and “a man who upheld the law”—making the circumstances of his death all the more grim and ironic.

Motive: A Dispute Over Property and Allegations of Abuse
The motive behind the murder appears to center around a long-standing property dispute within the family. Investigators say Om Prakash had purchased land in his sister’s name, a decision that angered Pallavi. She had allegedly been pressuring him to transfer the property to her instead.

Adding fuel to the fire, another property was reportedly registered under their son’s name, further deepening her resentment. According to family sources and law enforcement officials, frequent arguments and confrontations over property ownership had become common in the household.

The conflict appears to have spiraled in recent weeks, culminating in the tragic incident on April 20.

Prior Warnings and Accusations
What makes the case even more complex are earlier signs of conflict that may have gone unaddressed. Reports from Hindustan Times indicate that Pallavi had previously shared messages in a WhatsApp group of retired IPS officers, accusing her husband of domestic abuse. She claimed Om Prakash had threatened her with a pistol, allegedly placing the weapon at her temple during one altercation.

Additionally, she had reportedly made public complaints to members of the extended police community and staged protests outside their home, attempting to draw attention to her grievances. These incidents are now under review as part of the broader investigation into the family’s troubled dynamics.

Investigation and Legal Action
Following the discovery of Om Prakash’s body, Bengaluru police detained Pallavi and their daughter, Kriti, for questioning. While Kriti is not believed to have played a role in the crime, investigators are exploring whether she witnessed or was aware of escalating tensions at home.

Pallavi has since been formally named the prime suspect, and police have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. An FIR (First Information Report) is expected to be filed based on forensic evidence, eyewitness accounts, and digital records—including the now-critical video call.

Authorities are also in the process of reconstructing the events leading up to the murder, analyzing surveillance footage from the neighborhood and securing all relevant documentation related to the couple’s financial and property dealings.

Public and Professional Reaction
The murder has sent shockwaves not only through Karnataka’s law enforcement community but also among the public. Colleagues of Om Prakash have expressed their grief and disbelief, with many calling for a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover all facts surrounding the incident.

“This isn’t just a crime—it’s a personal tragedy that has unfolded in a household connected to law, power, and public responsibility,” said a retired IPS officer who once served with Om Prakash.

The case has sparked renewed debate about the pressures faced by high-ranking officials after retirement, especially in managing personal relationships, unresolved disputes, and mental health issues in aging couples.

Psychological Angle and Broader Implications
Mental health experts have emphasized that this case reflects deeper issues that are often ignored or downplayed in Indian families. “What we’re seeing here is not an isolated act of violence,” said Dr. Kavya Mehra, a Bengaluru-based psychologist. “It’s the culmination of years of unspoken frustration, emotional neglect, unresolved power dynamics, and perhaps untreated mental health issues.”

Domestic violence and psychological abuse, especially among elderly couples, often go unnoticed due to societal taboos and the reluctance to seek help. Pallavi’s previous attempts to draw public attention—through WhatsApp messages, open complaints, and protest actions—may have been cries for help that were inadequately addressed.

Conclusion: A Crime That Raises Difficult Questions
The tragic death of Om Prakash serves as a stark reminder of how domestic disputes—particularly involving power, legacy, and unresolved grievances—can escalate beyond control. While the facts are still unfolding, it’s clear that this was not a moment of spontaneous rage but likely the result of a long-standing emotional and psychological breakdown.

As the legal process moves forward, the spotlight remains firmly on Pallavi, who now faces serious charges in connection with the murder. Meanwhile, the public and police fraternity alike are left grappling with a deeply unsettling question: How did a guardian of law meet such a fate, within his own home, at the hands of someone he once trusted the most?