Bhatkal: In a tragic and shocking turn of events, former Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash has been murdered, allegedly by his wife, Pallavi. She has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Their daughter, Keerthi, has been named the second accused and has been sent to NIMHANS for psychiatric evaluation.
Initial investigations suggest a long-standing family dispute over property in Joida, Uttara Kannada, as the primary motive. During his tenure as Superintendent of Police in the 1990s, Om Prakash had acquired land in Joida—2.17 acres in his son Karthik’s name, and another 15 acres in the Badagand area. Of the latter, five acres were registered to Karthik and the remaining to a third party. Part of this land was leased for river rafting, and a guesthouse was built on it, which Om Prakash often used as a retreat from growing domestic tensions.
The situation escalated when Om Prakash reportedly decided to transfer five acres of land to his sister, a professor based in Joida. Pallavi strongly opposed this decision. Repeated arguments eventually culminated in a brutal, premeditated murder. According to police sources, Pallavi—believed to be suffering from psychological issues—allegedly attacked Om Prakash during a heated dinner-time argument, with the help of their daughter Keerthi. They reportedly threw chili powder and oil into his eyes to prevent him from reaching his revolver, and then fatally assaulted him with knives and beer bottles. The attack targeted his head, neck, chest, and abdomen, resulting in his death within minutes. After the assault, Pallavi allegedly called a friend and declared, “I have killed the demon.”
The case has been handed over to the Crime Branch for further investigation.
This brutal end is especially tragic for a man who once symbolized law, order, and integrity. Om Prakash had earned a reputation for fearless and impartial policing during his service, particularly in Bhatkal—a region long marred by communal unrest.
In 1993, as Superintendent of Police in Uttara Kannada, Om Prakash played a crucial role in restoring order during the volatile Bhatkal communal riots. He conducted a thorough ground-level assessment and took swift action, arresting high-profile leaders from both the Sangh Parivar and Bhatkal Tanzeem, including Dr. U. Chitranjan, Ananth Kumar Hegde, Surendra Shanbhag, and Dr. Haneef Shabab. He instilled confidence in the local police force and encouraged firm and impartial enforcement of the law.
Despite political pressure, Om Prakash upheld the rule of law without bias. His efforts helped prevent further escalation of violence in Bhatkal, and he remained posted in Uttara Kannada until late 1995. His tenure marked a rare period of relative peace in the communally sensitive region. His integrity and leadership eventually led to his promotion as Director General and Inspector General of Police.
That a man who once risked his life to maintain public order fell victim to violence within his own home underscores a tragic irony. Nevertheless, his legacy—particularly in regions like Bhatkal—remains a lasting testament to the power and impact of principled, fearless policing.