Bengaluru: In a shocking and deeply unsettling development, former Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his residence in HSR Layout, Bengaluru, on Sunday evening. The 68-year-old retired IPS officer, known for his integrity and decades-long service to the state, was discovered in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds, ig niting suspicions of foul play and setting off an intense police investigation.
The tragedy unfolded around 4:30 pm when Pallavi, who was present at the scene and is now the alleged suspect, dialled the police helpline (112) to report a “serious incident” at their residence. Responding swiftly, Hoysala personnel reached the spot but were briefly kept waiting at the door.
When the police finally entered the three-storied residence on 14th Cross, they found the lifeless body of Om Prakash lying on the ground floor with multiple stab injuries to his chest and stomach. His wife, daughter, and another family member were inside the house at the time.
The HSR Layout police registered a case based on a complaint by Om Prakash’s son, who was not present at the scene. Authorities have since detained Pallavi and others for questioning. Preliminary investigations indicate no signs of forced entry, adding weight to the theory that the crime may have been committed by someone within the household.
Senior police officials, including Karnataka DGP Alok Mohan and Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda, visited the crime scene. A forensic team was also deployed to collect evidence and reconstruct the chain of events.
Family Feuds and Fractures—While the motive remains officially unconfirmed, early findings suggest that internal family discord could have played a crucial role. According to police sources, Om Prakash had confided in close associates about feeling unsafe and under threat. Marital disputes and ongoing property disagreements reportedly plagued the family in recent years.
“There were serious differences between Om Prakash and his wife. He had mentioned on several occasions that he was worried about his safety,” said a senior officer involved in the investigation.
The body was taken to St John’s Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police have recovered a sharp-edged weapon from the scene believed to have been used in the attack.
A Decorated Career, A Disturbing End—Born in Bihar’s Champaran district, Om Prakash was an IPS officer of the 1981 batch. He served in various crucial capacities during his career, including as the head of Fire and Emergency Services and the Home Guards. In 2015, he was appointed as the Director General and Inspector General of Police, the highest police post in Karnataka. He retired in 2017.
Known for his professionalism, discipline, and clean service record, Prakash had earned the respect of his peers and subordinates. His sudden and brutal death has left the state’s law enforcement community in disbelief.
“It’s an unimaginable loss. He was a mentor to many and upheld the values of the service till his last day in office,” said a retired officer who had worked closely with him.
Investigation Ongoing—Additional Commissioner of Police Vikas Kumar Vikash confirmed that an FIR has been registered and that multiple angles are being explored. “It seems that a sharp weapon was used. The crime appears to have occurred between 4 and 4:30 pm. Based on the son’s complaint, we have registered the case and are collecting evidence to piece together the events,” Vikash said.
While police have not ruled out other possibilities, the absence of any external intrusion and prior family disputes have drawn attention to possible domestic motives.
Authorities have assured a thorough and impartial probe, with forensic reports and witness statements expected to play a crucial role in unravelling the truth. As investigations unfold, the death of Om Prakash has cast a grim shadow over Bengaluru, raising painful questions about what went wrong inside a home once headed by one of Karnataka’s most respected law enforcers.
