Karnataka ex-DGP murder: Wife arrested, case transferred to CCB

Daniel George

Pallavi, wife of former DGP Om Prakash has been arrested by the HSR Layout police, the case has been handed over to the Central Crime Branch (CCB) for further investigation. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayanand ordered the transfer of the high-profile case to the CCB on Monday, with the investigation set to begin today.

Former Karnataka Director General of Police Om Prakash, allegedly murdered by his wife and daughter, was cremated with full state honours in Bengaluru on Monday. His son, Kartikesh, performed the last rites.

A sprawling property in Dandeli and three other properties owned by former Karnataka  Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash who was allegedly killed by his wife Pallavi on Sunday afternoon was a bone of contention between the couple for the last so many years according to senior police officers.

Speaking to CH senior retired police officers who were close to Om Prakash said “the Dandeli land was bought from a police officer by Om Prakash’s father who then executed a gift deed to Om Prakash. Pallavi had been demanding that the land be registered under her name but Om Prakash was keen on gifting it to his siblings which led to frequent quarrels between the couple’’.

The retired police officers said “he has been facing marital strife for the past 15 years and confided in some of us that even his retired life was not in peace as his wife quarreled with him frequently over property’’ the officers who did not wish to be named said.

Pallavi is said to have confessed to the murder during initial questioning, stating that she acted in self-defence. However, officials are yet to issue a formal statement. She reportedly claimed that her daughter was locked in another room during the incident, though police are verifying this claim.

Sources also revealed that Om Prakash owned land in areas around Bengaluru, including Magadi, Bidadi, and Dandeli. He had given the property in Dandeli to his brothers, which reportedly upset Pallavi, leading to frequent quarrels. He had allegedly warned her not to speak ill of his brothers or sisters.

On Sunday afternoon, a heated argument over this matter escalated, ultimately resulting in his brutal murder. The HSR Layout police are currently investigating the case.

Preliminary findings

According to preliminary findings, Om Prakash was first assaulted with chilli powder and oil before being stabbed over 12 times in the neck, chest, abdomen and head. Evidence suggests he struggled for nearly 10 minutes before succumbing to his injuries. Two knives and a bottle have been seized from the crime scene.

Sources added that Pallavi was undergoing treatment for a mental health condition resembling schizophrenia and had made multiple visits to psychiatric centres. Om Prakash had reportedly spoken to friends about his wish to live separately following his daughter’s marriage, due to ongoing marital discord.

Son files FIR, suspect’s mother and sister

The HSR police in the city have registered an FIR against the wife and daughter of former state DGP Om Prakash.

The FIR was filed based on a complaint lodged by his son, Karthikesh Om Prakash.  In his complaint, Karthikesh stated that his father had been receiving life threats from his mother for the past week. He also alleged that his sister forcibly brought their father back home.  Om Prakash’s wife Pallavi was named the first suspect, and daughter Kriti the second suspect in the FIR.

Karthikesh further stated that due to threats from his mother, Om Prakash had gone to stay at his sister Sarita Kumari’s residence. “However, two days ago, my sister Kriti went there, harassed my father, and brought him back home,” he added.

“I suspect that my father, former DGP Om Prakash, was killed by my mother, Pallavi, and sister Kriti. They are both suffering from depression and would quarrel with my father every day,” he said in the complaint.

The HSR Layout police have booked Pallavi and Kriti under sections 103 (1) and 3 (5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Former Bengaluru police commissioner and retired Karnataka Director General of Police S C Burman who was close to Om Prakash told CH “It is very unfortunate that my friend Om Prakash had to go this way, he will be missed. None of the police commissioner’s, Deputy Commissioners of Police or Additional Commissioners of police keep in touch with retired police officers, who knows if some top cop had met Om Prakash things would have been different’’.

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Monday that there were allegations that the wife was involved, but the investigation is still underway. He confirmed that the wife is currently in police custody and being questioned.

The case overview

Meanwhile the police probing the murder said that here has been a disturbing sequence of events with Om Prakash’s wife Pallavi emerging as the prime accused. The HSR Police detained both Pallavi and the couple’s daughter Kriti for questioning on Monday as they probe deeper into what is suspected to be a premeditated act.

Pallavi was brought to the police station in a Hoysala patrol vehicle after initial reports linked her to the crime. According to police, she had sent a message to the wife of a serving IPS officer shortly after the incident, stating she had "finished off a monster". It has also come to light that she made a video call following the alleged murder.

Former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash was found murdered at his residence in Bengaluru on Sunday. The 68-year-old retired officer was discovered in a pool of blood at his home in HSR Layout in Bengaluru. Om Prakash, a 1981 batch IPS officer, served as the 38th Director General of Police (DGP) of Karnataka in 2015.

Police indicated that a WhatsApp message sent to a family group by Pallavi accused Om Prakash of threatening her and their daughter with a gun, and urged someone to lodge a complaint against him.

Om Prakash, a native of Champaran in Bihar and a 1981 batch IPS officer, had served in key roles including as Commandant General of Home Guards and Director General of Police in 2015. He had also held postings in the Fire and Emergency Services, State Vigilance Commission, Karnataka Lokayukta, CID, and as Transport Commissioner. Notably, he had played a critical role in investigations into the 2013 BJP office blast and the 2014 Church Street bombing in Bengaluru.