Bengaluru: Retired Director General and Inspector General of Police (DGP & IGP) Om Prakash was brutally murdered at his residence in HSR Layout, Bengaluru, sending shockwaves across the city. He was 68 years old.

Initial investigations reveal that his wife, Pallavi, who is reportedly suffering from mental health issues, is the prime suspect in the case. Police say she stabbed Om Prakash to death on Sunday evening and later informed the authorities herself.

The retired top cop was found lying in a pool of blood by officers who rushed to the scene. His wife and daughter, who were present in the house at the time, have been taken in for questioning.

According to preliminary findings, domestic discord may have led to the gruesome murder. Neighbors, relatives, and even fellow retired police officers were reportedly aware of frequent arguments between the couple. Sources suggest that disputes had intensified in recent days, particularly regarding property that Om Prakash had registered in his sister’s name. Pallavi had allegedly been pressuring him to reverse the decision.

Om Prakash, a 1981 batch IPS officer, had served in various high-ranking positions including Commandant General of Home Guards, Director of Civil Defence, and Director of Fire and Emergency Services. He was the 38th DGP & IGP of Karnataka and held the position in 2015. Notably, he had been tasked with handling the 1993 Bhatkal communal riots during his tenure.

The case has been registered at the HSR Layout police station, and the deceased’s body has been sent to St. John’s Hospital for post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact motive behind the murder.