In a shocking development in Bengaluru, Dr. Mahendra Reddy, a general surgeon, has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife, Dr. Kruthika M Reddy, a dermatologist, by administering the anaesthetic drug Propofol. The incident, which occurred six months ago, has raised serious concerns about medical ethics and trust within the healthcare community.
The couple, both employed at Victoria Hospital, married on May 26, 2024. On April 23, 2025, Dr. Kruthika collapsed at her father’s residence in Marathahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka, where she had been staying due to health issues.
Dr. Mahendra reportedly visited her and administered intravenous injections over two days, claiming they were part of her treatment. She was declared brought dead at a nearby private hospital.
Initially, the police registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR), as the death appeared natural. However, Dr. Kruthika’s elder sister, Dr. Nikitha M Reddy, a radiologist, raised suspicions and insisted on a detailed investigation.
Six months later, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report confirmed the presence of Propofol in multiple organs, establishing that Dr. Kruthika died due to the anaesthetic compound. Following this confirmation, the Marathahalli Police reclassified the case as murder under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and arrested Dr. Mahendra Reddy.
Police investigating the case believe the doctor’s frustration over his wife’s illness may have played a role in the alleged murder. Kruthika’s father, Muni Reddy, told Marathahalli police that his son-in-law had frequently asked the family for money.
According to the complaint, Mahendra wanted to establish a private hospital for Kruthika, but the family was unable to provide the required funds. During this time, he reportedly became close to another woman and managed Kruthika’s gastrointestinal issues using intravenous fluids, while allegedly neglecting her.
Propofol is a widely utilized intravenous anesthetic and sedative, primarily administered to induce and maintain anesthesia during surgical procedures. It is also employed to sedate patients requiring mechanical ventilation in intensive care settings, such as those with severe respiratory conditions.
While propofol is effective in its intended uses, it is associated with several side effects. Common adverse reactions include blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heartbeat or pulse, headache, nervousness, pounding in the ears, problems with movement, sweating, and unusual tiredness or weakness. Less common side effects may involve bluish lips or skin, chest pain or discomfort, difficulty breathing, and lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.1
Dr. Mahendra Reddy has been charged with murder and is currently in police custody. The authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the alleged crime.
Police found out that he reportedly sent a chilling message to a girl from the healthcare industry who had previously rejected his proposal, soon after the incident. The message, discovered during a forensic review of his phone, read: “I killed my wife for you,” and was sent through a digital payment app.
According to police officials, such messages were sent to about 4-5 women.
The woman, whose identity is being kept confidential, has been questioned by police, and her statement has been officially recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
Reference:
1. Mayo Clinic. "Propofol (Intravenous Route) – Side Effects & Uses." Mayo Clinic. Last modified October 1, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/propofol-intravenous-route/description/drg-20488192.
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