BENGALURU: The investigation into the murder of former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash has revealed multiple possible motives, including a long-standing property dispute and allegations of domestic violence. His wife, Pallavi, who has confessed to the crime, is currently under police scrutiny.
Property dispute spark marital conflict
According to police sources, the couple had frequent altercations, some of which stemmed from property disagreements.
A significant portion of Prakash’s assets are located in the Uttara Kannada district, where he had served as superintendent of police in the early 1990s. Family members informed police that he had purchased several acres of land in Joida between 2011 and 2012 and also owned a farmhouse on five acres.
Pallavi is alleged to have told police that Prakash refused to transfer any property to her or their daughter, a point of contention in their marriage.

Months earlier, Pallavi had reportedly approached the HSR Layout police to lodge a complaint. When her concerns were allegedly not addressed, she staged a sit-in protest outside the station.
Pallavi’s battle with schizophrenia
In addition, a senior officer said they are looking into Pallavi’s mental health history. Reports suggest she was diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been undergoing medical treatment. Authorities are in the process of reviewing her psychiatric records.
Pallavi claims domestic violence
Pallavi claimed that she was a victim of domestic violence. She repeatedly said Kriti had no role in the crime and urged police to release her as she was “depressed”
“Pallavi repeatedly told us she was a victim of domestic violence and acted in desperation,” a senior officer said. However, he also noted that interrogating both Pallavi and Kriti has been challenging as their statements are often incoherent.
Police questioned Kriti and later released her, stating her involvement has not been established.
Another senior police officer said that, a few days ago, Pallavi had sent a message in the IPS officers’ WhatsApp group, urging them to take suo-motu cognizance and initiate action against her husband.
“This is a distress call from Pallavi Omprakash. And online FIR from me. Please take SUO. MOTO. Cognizance and SUO motor ACTION. Me and my daughter have been under severe domestic violence at the hands of my husband Omprakash, Ex DGP Karnataka (sic),” the officer quoted Pallavi’s message as saying.
Speaking briefly to the media, Pallavi said, “I have gone through domestic violence,” as the probe continues into the complex case involving mental health, family conflict, and a brutal crime.
Sequence of the crime in Om Prakash murder case
Retired DGP Om Prakash was found murdered in his HSR Layout residence on Sunday evening. He had been stabbed multiple times in the neck, shoulder, abdomen, and back. According to police, his wife Pallavi allegedly threw chilli powder into his face before launching a fatal attack with a kitchen knife.
Prakash is said to have attempted running out of the house as Pallavi attacked him, but she threw a blanket on his face and pushed him to the ground.