Bengaluru doctor arrested for murder of his wife six months after her mysterious death

The victim, Dr. Kruthika Reddy, a dermatologist, was found dead at their home in the Munnekollal locality of East Bengaluru on April 21.

The couple, both doctors at Victoria Hospital, had been married for less than a year, since May 26, last year.

According to police, Dr. Kruthika fell seriously ill at home and was rushed by her husband to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Initially, a case of unnatural death was registered at the Marathahalli Police Station.

During a detailed inspection of the couple’s residence, forensic officers recovered crucial medical evidence, including a cannula set, injection tube, and other items, which were sent for forensic analysis.

Viscera samples were also collected and forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

The FSL report later confirmed the presence of Propofol, a potent anaesthetic drug, in Dr. Kruthika’s organs, indicating she had been administered a lethal dose.

Based on these findings, the victim’s father filed a complaint on October 13, accusing his son-in-law of deliberately killing his daughter using the drug.

Police arrested Dr. Mahendra Reddy the next day (October 14) from Manipal, a university town in coastal Karnataka. Investigators believe he may have used his medical knowledge to stage the death as a natural one.

“Evidence collected so far points to the husband’s role in the crime. He brought her to the hospital and claimed she was unwell, without revealing any possible cause. Later investigations revealed the use of sedatives, suggesting malafide intent. The case will be thoroughly investigated,” Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh told the media.

The accused is currently in police custody, and further investigation is underway.

The case has sent shockwaves through the medical fraternity, with police examining whether the crime was premeditated.