- Tuesday, April 22, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Former Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP), Om Prakash, a respected Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1981 batch, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his residence in Bengaluru on April 21. He was 68 years old. The shocking discovery was made at his upscale residence in HSR Layout, where his body was found lying in a pool of blood on the ground floor, bearing visible stab injuries.
According to Bengaluru police, the nature of the injuries suggests foul play. “There is evidence of physical assault. A weapon has been used and there is significant blood loss,” Additional Commissioner of Police Vikash Kumar Vikash said. He confirmed that an investigation is underway and an FIR will be registered based on a complaint filed by Prakash’s son.
#WATCH | Karnataka | Bengaluru Additional CP Vikas Kumar says, “Today afternoon around 4-4:30 pm, we got information about the death of our former DGP and IGP Om Prakash. His son has been contacted and he is giving a complaint against the incident, and based on that, an FIR will… https://t.co/FlgdU1Brf1 pic.twitter.com/6qOKIq2ihE
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2025
Police have started questioning his wife, Pallavi, who informed the authorities about the incident, along with the couple’s daughter. The presence of family members in the house at the time of the incident has further intensified suspicions. Early indications point toward a potential domestic conflict, and sources suggest that there were ongoing property disputes within the family. The possibility of close family involvement is being actively investigated.
Om Prakash, originally from Champaran in Bihar, held a Master’s degree in Geology before joining the Indian Police Service. He began his career in Karnataka as an additional superintendent of police in Harapanahalli and later served in several key positions across the state. His postings included Ballari, Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru as Superintendent of Police (SP). He was also involved with the state Lokayukta, Fire and Emergency Services, and the Crime Investigation Department (CID).
Prakash was appointed the Director General of Police of Karnataka on March 1, 2015, capping a distinguished career in law enforcement. Colleagues recall him as a sincere officer known for his integrity and commitment to public service.
Significantly, it has now come to light that the retired officer had shared concerns about his safety with some close associates prior to his death. These past warnings are expected to play a critical role in the ongoing police investigation. Authorities have sent his body for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and collect further forensic evidence.
As one of the most high-profile cases involving a retired police chief in recent years, the death of Om Prakash has stunned the law enforcement community and raised serious questions about safety, even at the highest levels of police leadership. The Karnataka police have assured a thorough investigation and are currently exploring all angles—including internal family disputes and potential external threats.
Further updates are awaited as the investigation continues. The case has already drawn widespread attention across Karnataka and beyond, highlighting the shocking reality of how even those entrusted with public security are not immune to tragic personal circumstances.
