'He struggled for 15 minutes before last breath': Ex-Karnataka DGP murdered by wife alleging abuse

Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) Om Prakash was brutally murdered in his home on Sunday in what police describe as a premeditated act by his wife, Pallavi Om Prakash. The murder occurred during lunch at their residence in HSR Layout.

Investigators say the 64-year-old Pallavi attacked Om Prakash while he was eating. She allegedly threw chilli powder into his eyes to blind him and then stabbed him 12 times with a kitchen knife. The attack targeted vital areas—his neck, shoulder, abdomen, and back.

Victim allegedly struggled for 15 minutes

Police believe Om Prakash remained conscious and struggled for at least 15 minutes before dying. Pallavi reportedly used an oil bottle as an additional weapon and blocked his escape by throwing a blanket over his face and pushing him down.

Two bottles—one containing toilet cleaner and the other a floor disinfectant—were found near the body, raising concerns about the mental state and planning behind the attack.

Digital trail of confession and plea for help

Soon after the murder, Pallavi allegedly confessed through WhatsApp messages and a video call to the wife of a retired IPS officer, stating: “I killed the monster.” She also contacted two other individuals and eventually informed the HSR Layout police station herself.

Earlier, Pallavi had posted a disturbing message in an IPS officers’ WhatsApp group alleging years of domestic abuse. In the message, she wrote:

“Me and my daughter have been under severe domestic violence... He’s drugging us, hacking our devices, and trying to make us look insane. We need urgent help.”

She further claimed: “He’s been using insulin, sanitiser and other substances to drug us. He even tried to kill us before and has been attempting to portray both of us as mentally unstable.”

Property dispute and control allegations

Police are also investigating a property angle as a possible motive. Om Prakash owned significant real estate in Uttara Kannada district, including a farmhouse on five acres. Pallavi was reportedly angered over being left out of property ownership, particularly in relation to their daughter.

She had previously written: “We are in a very dangerous, unsafe situation... My daughter's phone, laptop and all digital devices have been hacked or made dysfunctional. We need urgent security.”

Daughter’s presence and unclear role

Kriti was in the house at the time of the murder but remained on the third floor. Police had to force her door open after she refused to cooperate. Reports suggest she was visibly disturbed and initially resisted giving fingerprints. She was later taken for medical evaluation.

Her role in the incident, if any, remains under investigation. Police have not ruled out the possibility of her knowledge or involvement.

A crime that has shocked Karnataka

The gruesome nature of the crime, involving a high-profile retired police chief, has stunned the state. The investigation continues, focusing on domestic violence claims, digital abuse, property disputes, and mental health concerns.

Pallavi Om Prakash remains in police custody as authorities examine the full extent of events leading to the murder.