In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves through Karnataka’s medical fraternity, Dr. Mahendra Reddy (31), a surgeon at a Bengaluru hospital, has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife, Dr. Kruthika M. Reddy (28) by using his professional expertise to administer a lethal dose of Propofol, a powerful anaesthetic.
Investigators said Mahendra used his clinical knowledge and access to hospital drugs to plan the crime “with precision” and disguise it as a natural death.
“He knew her medical vulnerabilities and used his expertise to exploit them,” said Whitefield DCP M. Parashuram, adding that the murder was executed “with surgical precision.”
A Marriage That Turned Into Murder
The couple had tied the knot on May 26, 2024, in Gunjur, Bengaluru. Both worked at Victoria Government Hospital, and were seen by peers as a promising young medical duo.
But behind the façade of a perfect marriage, police say, Mahendra meticulously plotted his wife’s death, leveraging his familiarity with operating theatre (OT) and ICU procedures to gain access to restricted anaesthetic drugs.
“Dr. Kruthika trusted her husband completely. She believed in his love and in his profession. But the same medical knowledge that should have saved lives was used to destroy hers,” said Muni Reddy, the victim’s father, speaking to PTI.
The Fatal Dose: Propofol and the Missing CPR
According to forensic reports, Mahendra injected Kruthika with an overdose of Propofol, a sedative typically used during surgeries. The drug caused severe respiratory depression, leading to her death.
Police found no evidence of CPR or emergency intervention, which investigators say strengthens the suspicion that Mahendra intended to let her die rather than save her.
A police source said the anaesthetic was procured through hospital networks, using his professional access to controlled medical supplies.
Motive and Manipulation
Police believe the crime was motivated by personal differences that had escalated within months of their marriage. Investigators are also probing reports that Mahendra may have been involved with another woman, a potential trigger behind the murder.
“Mahendra allegedly exploited every detail of his wife’s health and trust planning the act like a clinical procedure,” an officer said.
Forensic Confirmation
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirmed the presence of Propofol in Kruthika’s viscera, officially turning the case from a “suspicious death” to murder.
Mahendra has been remanded to police custody for further interrogation. Investigators are now tracing how he procured the drug and covered up evidence.
