In a shocking turn of events, a Bengaluru-based general surgeon, identified as Mahendra Reddy, has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife, Dr. Kruthika M Reddy. The arrest followed a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report that confirmed the presence of Propofol, a potent anesthetic, in the victim’s organs and medical equipment. The unsettling discovery came six months after Dr. Kruthika’s death, which was initially presumed to be due to natural causes.
The case was brought to light not by a routine investigation, but by the unwavering determination of the victim’s sister, Dr. Nikitha M Reddy. Dr. Kruthika, a 29-year-old dermatologist, was found unresponsive and rushed to Cauvery Hospital on April 24, where she was declared dead. Her family and medical professionals initially accepted the explanation of natural causes. However, Dr. Nikitha, a radiologist, harbored persistent doubts about the circumstances surrounding her sister’s demise.
Driven by her suspicion, Dr. Nikitha’s insistence led the hospital to file a Medico-Legal Case (MLC) with the Marathahalli police. This prompted the registration of a case of unnatural death, and subsequent investigations revealed the dark truth. The FSL report confirmed the presence of Propofol, an anesthetic typically administered only in hospital settings, in Dr. Kruthika’s system and in medical equipment allegedly used by her husband. Police believe Mahendra Reddy administered a fatal dose of the anesthetic between April 21 and 23 while treating his wife for “gastritis” at her parents’ home.
The 31-year-old surgeon, who was apprehended in Manipal, Udupi district, maintained a composed demeanor even under police custody. He reportedly asserted that his wife’s death was natural and showed no signs of remorse. Investigators theorize that Mahendra Reddy, leveraging his medical expertise and knowledge of his wife’s health conditions, executed the crime with chilling precision. The timeline leading up to Dr. Kruthika’s death shows a pattern of Mahendra administering IV treatments, even when she reported discomfort.
The motive behind this alleged murder is currently under investigation, with police exploring possibilities of financial disputes and an extramarital affair. Dr. Kruthika’s family has reportedly indicated that significant expenses were incurred for the couple’s wedding just months prior, and Mahendra Reddy had recently sought financial assistance to establish his own hospital. The meticulous planning, coupled with the forensic evidence, has shifted the narrative from a medical mystery to a clear case of murder.
Dr. Kruthika was a respected dermatologist on the cusp of opening her own clinic. Her colleagues remember her as dedicated and compassionate, making the betrayal by her husband all the more devastating. This case serves as a stark reminder of how professional knowledge can be tragically misused.