Authorities in Bengaluru have arrested Dr. Mahendra Reddy, a gastro surgeon, for allegedly murdering his wife, Dr. Kritika Reddy, a 28-year-old dermatologist, barely months after their marriage.
Investigators say the doctor allegedly injected propofol, a powerful anaesthetic, into his wife under the guise of treatment, leading to her death at their Marathahalli residence.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Parashuram, preliminary findings indicate that the act was deliberate.
“Evidence suggests Dr. Mahendra Reddy intentionally administered the anaesthetic injection to end his wife’s life. We are currently analyzing call logs, financial records, and forensic data to determine the motive. More arrests may follow,” he said
The victim’s family insists that Kritika’s death was suspicious from the very beginning. Her sister, Dr. Nikhita, told reporters that Mahendra tried to block a postmortem examination.
“He cried and begged us not to conduct the autopsy, saying he couldn’t bear to see her body cut,” she recalled.
She further alleged that Mahendra had been giving Kritika unnecessary drips and medications even though she was perfectly healthy.
“My parents treated him like a son, but later we found out he was involved in an extramarital affair,” she added.
Nikhita also revealed that Kritika had planned to open her own clinic to help underprivileged patients — a dream her husband strongly opposed.
“He didn’t even support her plans or agree to register their marriage officially,” she lamented.
Meanwhile, Victoria Hospital, where Mahendra once worked, has clarified that he resigned months before the incident.
“Dr. Mahendra Reddy was a certified gastro surgeon from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS). He completed his fellowship in March and served with us on a contract basis until July 2, 2025.”
Police are now exploring multiple angles, including possible financial disputes, an alleged affair, and signs of premeditation.
DCP Parashuram noted that it was “too early to draw conclusions” but assured the public that the full motive will be uncovered as investigations progress.
