Bengaluru surgeon arrested for wife's murder with anaesthesia

In a shocking case that has sent ripples through Bengaluru's medical community, Dr. Mahendra Reddy, a general surgeon at Victoria Hospital, has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife, Dr. Kruthika Reddy, a dermatologist, by administering a lethal dose of anaesthesia. The incident occurred less than a year after their marriage on May 26, 2024.

Dr. Reddy is accused of using his medical expertise to disguise the murder as a natural death. According to police reports, he administered an intravenous (IV) injection to Kruthika at their home on April 21, 2025, claiming it was for her gastric discomfort. The following day, he took her to her parents' home, stating she needed rest, and returned later that night to give her another dose. On April 23, Kruthika complained of pain at the injection site, but Mahendra allegedly advised her not to remove it. The next morning, she was found unresponsive. Despite being a trained surgeon, he reportedly did not attempt to perform CPR. She was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

Initially, her family accepted Mahendra's explanation that her death was due to complications from her existing health issues. However, suspicions arose when Kruthika's sister, Dr. Nikita Reddy, insisted on a post-mortem examination. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report later confirmed the presence of anaesthetic substances in her body, leading police to classify the case as murder.

The investigation revealed that Mahendra had been aware of Kruthika's health issues, which her family had not disclosed before the marriage. Allegations surfaced that he had been neglectful and controlling, demanding that Kruthika seek her father's permission for even minor decisions. He also pressured her family for financial support to build a hospital, which they refused, instead helping the couple establish a clinic named 'Skin & Scalpel'.

Dr. Vijay Kumar, an anaesthetist, explained that Propofol, the anaesthetic found in Kruthika's system, is typically used in medical settings and can be fatal in high doses. The police have charged Mahendra under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for murder, and the investigation is ongoing.

This tragic case highlights the dark side of trust and betrayal within a marriage, leaving a community in shock over the loss of a promising young doctor.