Former top cop stabbed to death by wife

By Sagaya Fernando | April 27, 2025 |

Former DGP Om Prakash with his wife Pallavi.

Bengaluru, India: In a brutal and shocking crime, the blood-soaked body of former Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash was discovered at his residence in Bengaluru (earlier known as Bangalore), the capital of India's southern state of Karnataka, on April 20. The 1981-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who retired in 2017, was found stabbed multiple times — allegedly by his wife, Pallavi.

According to police reports, the killing occurred between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm, after which Pallavi herself alerted the authorities. Responding officers found Om Prakash's body wrapped in a bloodied bedsheet inside the dining hall, with Pallavi sitting calmly nearby.

Murder Inside a Secure Home

CCTV footage and preliminary investigations confirmed there were no signs of forced entry or exit. Only three people were inside the home at the time: Om Prakash, his wife Pallavi, and their daughter Tithi. Their son, Kartikesh, was away at the Karnataka Golf Association when the incident unfolded.

Investigators revealed that Pallavi incapacitated Om Prakash by throwing chilli powder into his eyes before repeatedly stabbing him in the neck, chest, and arms. Witnesses say she then sat on a chair and watched him bleed to death for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before calling the police emergency line (112). In a chilling move, she also made a video call to a friend—wife of a retired IPS officer—declaring, "I have killed him."

Arrests and Confession

Following the discovery, Pallavi and Tithi were detained and later arrested. In police custody, Pallavi confessed to the killing, claiming it was an act of self-defense. She alleged that Om Prakash had frequently threatened her with a pistol during domestic arguments. On the day of the murder, she said, he once again threatened her, prompting her to retaliate.

Pallavi denied any involvement by her daughter Tithi. However, investigators recovered two knives from the scene and have not ruled out Tithi's participation. Authorities are awaiting further forensic results.

Family Turmoil and Mental Health Concerns

Son Kartikesh subsequently filed a First Information Report (FIR) against his mother. In the FIR, he mentioned that both Pallavi and Tithi had long battled depression and suspected that both may have been involved in the crime. He also claimed that two days prior to the incident, his sister had forcibly brought their father back home from a relative's house against his wishes.

Medical records indicate that Pallavi had been battling schizophrenia for the past 12 years. Police are investigating whether her mental health condition played a role in the murder. Doctors and therapists familiar with her treatment history are being questioned as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Om Prakash’s body was sent for post-mortem examination at St. John’s Medical College Hospital in Bengaluru. His final rites were performed by his son, Kartikesh.

No Security Despite High-Profile Status

Despite his distinguished career as Karnataka's top police officer, Om Prakash reportedly had no personal security detail at the time of his death. Investigators confirmed that CCTV footage showed no external entries or exits, reinforcing the theory that the attack came from within the household.

Property Disputes Under Scrutiny

Investigators are also probing potential motives beyond mental illness. Sources close to the family revealed that Om Prakash had previously confided to former colleagues about domestic disputes, including disagreements over property matters.

Legacy of Om Prakash

Om Prakash, a native of Champaran district in Bihar, served with distinction for decades. Following news of his death, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara praised him as an "excellent officer" and assured the public that the full truth would emerge as the investigation progresses.