What was first believed to be a mysterious death has now become a full-fledged murder investigation in Bengaluru. Six months after the death of Kruthika M Reddy, her husband and doctor Mahendra Reddy has been arrested on charges of allegedly plotting and executing her murder.
According to investigators, Mahendra exploited Kruthika&rsquo;s long-standing gastric and metabolic health issues to secretly administer powerful anesthetic drugs in fatal doses. Officials revealed that he used his professional access to hospital facilities like the OT and ICU to obtain the required sedatives. The first IV dose was reportedly given in April this year under the pretext of treating her gastric discomfort.
Kruthika&rsquo;s condition deteriorated over the following days as Mahendra allegedly administered multiple IV injections. Investigators say the doses contained excessive quantities of anesthetic drugs, leading to respiratory depression and ultimately her death.
When she died in April, the cause of death remained unclear, and an unnatural death report was filed. Police seized medical items including a cannula and injection tubes from the spot. Her viscera samples were sent for forensic testing, and the Forensic Science Laboratory later detected traces of the sedative Propofol in her organs. This revelation led Kruthika&rsquo;s father, Muni Reddy, to file a formal complaint accusing Mahendra of intentionally killing his daughter.
Investigators say Mahendra neither attempted CPR nor sought urgent medical help despite being a doctor. Messages recovered from Kruthika&rsquo;s phone showed that on April 23, when she experienced pain at the IV site, Mahendra advised her via WhatsApp not to remove it. Later that night, he allegedly administered another injection. The next morning, Kruthika was found unresponsive and was declared dead.
Police believe Mahendra&rsquo;s motive stemmed from marital disputes, including alleged frustration over Kruthika&rsquo;s medical condition, which he claimed was hidden from him before their wedding in May last year. Her father also alleged that Mahendra made large financial demands, including funds to build a private hospital, and was involved with another woman.
Mahendra is currently in police custody, and investigators say more details may emerge as the probe progresses. The case has sparked widespread outrage, raising concerns over the misuse of medical knowledge and access to harm vulnerable individuals.
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Bengaluru doctor arrested for wife's murder

Mahendra Reddy accused of using medical access to administer fatal sedatives to wife

Bengaluru doctor arrested for wife's murder

Mahendra Reddy accused of using medical access to administer fatal sedatives to wife

October 16, 2025 | 20:09 IST