Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 15: In a deeply disturbing incident that has stunned the city, a Bengaluru-based general surgeon has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife —also a doctor —by injecting her with a fatal drug and then convincing her family it was a natural death.

The accused, Dr Mahendra Reddy, is accused of killing his wife, Dr Krutika Reddy, at their Marathahalli residence. Police say he administered a suspicious IV injection, resulting in her death, and attempted to cover up the crime as a medical complication.

Married just months ago

Dr Mahendra and Dr Krutika were married on May 26, 2024. Krutika, a dermatologist at Victoria Hospital, had reportedly been suffering from chronic health issues, including indigestion, gastric troubles, and low blood sugar. Her family, unaware of the full extent of her condition, had arranged the marriage with Mahendra, who also worked at the same hospital.

But soon after their wedding, Mahendra became aware of her ailments. Instead of offering support, he allegedly began administering injections under the guise of treatment—one of which proved fatal.

Fatal injection: What happened?

According to the complaint filed by Krutika’s father, Munireddy, the first suspicious incident occurred on April 21, 2025, when Mahendra gave Krutika an intravenous (IV) injection at their home, claiming it would ease her stomach discomfort.

The following day, he told her family she needed rest and left her at her parental home, only to return that night with another IV dose. On April 23, Krutika reportedly complained of pain at the injection site. Mahendra allegedly messaged her on WhatsApp, instructing her not to remove it.

“He came again that evening and administered a third dose,” Munireddy said. “The next morning, on April 24, we found her completely unconscious. Although he is a doctor, he didn’t perform CPR or attempt to revive her. We rushed her to hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival,” he added.

Doctor husband insisted it was natural death

Initially, Krutika’s family accepted Mahendra’s explanation that she had died due to complications from her existing health problems. Mahendra and his family even reportedly objected to a post-mortem, requesting the body be released without further investigation.

However, Krutika’s sister, Dr Nikita Reddy, a radiologist, grew suspicious of the sudden and unexplained nature of her death. She insisted on an in-depth investigation and filed a case of unnatural death at Marathahalli police station.

A marriage strained by greed?

Further investigation revealed that the marriage had been far from harmonious. According to Munireddy, Mahendra neglected Krutika, insisted that family decisions be routed through his father, and even demanded that she bear all personal expenses.

He also allegedly pressured Krutika’s parents for financial support to build a large hospital. When they refused, they instead helped the couple establish a clinic in Marathahalli called ‘Skin & Scalpel’.

According to the FIR, Mahendra continued to administer medication regularly to Krutika without medical justification. His actions turned fatal on the night of April 23.

FSL report confirms murder

After persistent efforts by the family, especially Dr Nikita, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report was ordered. It confirmed that Krutika’s death was not natural, but caused by a drug overdose delivered via IV.

Based on the FSL findings, police registered a case under IPC Section 302 (murder) and arrested Dr Mahendra Reddy.

Krutika had reportedly become unconscious after receiving the final dose. She was rushed to hospital the next morning on April 24 but was declared dead. The alleged murder remained hidden for nearly six months, until forensic results and consistent pressure from her family exposed the truth.

A sinister use of medical knowledge

“Despite knowing she was vulnerable, Mahendra used his medical knowledge to eliminate her,” said a senior police official. “He attempted to manipulate both the family and the system, but the forensic evidence spoke for itself.”

Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further legal action will follow.