Retired Karnataka Police Chief Om Prakash was found dead at his Bengaluru home on 20 April 2025. He was 68. Police believe his wife, Pallavi, stabbed him to death after a heated argument. The case has shocked the state.
Sources say the fight was about property. Om Prakash had reportedly transferred some of it to a relative. This upset Pallavi. During the argument, she allegedly threw chilli powder in his eyes, tied him up, and stabbed him multiple times. A broken glass bottle was also used in the attack. Two knives were found near the body.
After the murder, Pallavi called the wife of another police officer. She reportedly said on a video call, “I killed the monster.” The other woman’s husband then contacted the police. Officers arrived at the scene and found Om Prakash lying in a pool of blood. His body had stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.
The police detained Pallavi and her daughter, Kruthi. Both were questioned for about 12 hours. Officers are still investigating whether the daughter played any part in the murder.
Also read: Karnataka Cabinet defers decision on caste census
Om Prakash’s son, Kartikhesh, has filed a complaint. He claims his mother and sister had been threatening his father for over a week. He also said both women had been suffering from depression and often fought with Om Prakash.
Because of the threats, the retired officer had moved out. He was staying with his sister, Saritha Kumari. Two days before the murder, Kruthi visited him and convinced him to return home. According to Kartikhesh, Om Prakash did not want to go back but agreed after her repeated requests.
On the day of the murder, Kartikhesh was not home. A neighbour called him to say his father had been found injured. He rushed home around 5:45 pm. Police and members of the public were already there. His father had severe injuries to his head and body. He was taken to St. John’s Hospital, where he was declared dead.
Police were formally informed about the death at around 4 am. Bengaluru Additional Commissioner of Police Vikas Kumar confirmed that a murder investigation had started.
Karnataka’s Home Minister, G Parameshwara, also spoke to the media. He confirmed the death and said early information pointed to the wife’s involvement. “We have to wait for the full investigation,” he added. “Om Prakash was a good officer and a good human being. This should not have happened.”
Om Prakash was an Indian Police Service officer from the 1981 batch. He served as Karnataka’s Director General of Police from March 2015. He also led the Fire and Emergency Services and Home Guards. Born in Bihar, he held a Master’s degree in Geology.
Police are continuing their investigation. They are examining all angles, including possible mental health issues and family disputes. For now, Pallavi remains the prime suspect. Further action will depend on the evidence collected in the coming days.
Follow us
