Bengaluru Doctor Held for Allegedly Killing Wife With Propofol, Death Initially Deemed Natural

Six months after what was initially believed to be the natural death of a young Bengaluru dermatologist, the case has taken a disturbing turn. Police have arrested her husband, also a doctor, for her alleged murder.

Dr Mahendra Reddy G S, a general surgeon, was taken into custody in Manipal on October 14, 2025, for the premeditated killing of his wife, Dr Kruthika M Reddy, who was found dead on April 24, 2025, at their residence in Munnekolala, Marathahalli.

At the time of her death, Dr Mahendra claimed that his 29-year-old wife had died due to digestive complications and low blood sugar. The explanation was initially accepted as a natural cause - until fresh evidence surfaced months later.

It was Kruthika's elder sister, Dr Nikitha M Reddy, a radiologist, who raised suspicion and insisted on a detailed probe.

According to reports, Kruthika collapsed at her father's residence in Marathahalli, where she was staying due to health issues. Mahendra had 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.

Post-Mortem Reveals Propofol Poisoning

Following a detailed post-mortem examination, traces of Propofol, a powerful anaesthetic used only in operating theatres, were discovered in several of Dr Kruthika's organs.

Investigators believe that Dr Mahendra used his medical access at Victoria Hospital to illegally obtain the drug and administer it to his wife, causing respiratory failure. He allegedly tried to make the death appear natural and pressured the family not to seek a police inquiry or post-mortem at the time.

Police Action and Arrest

The case took a turn when Dr Kruthika's father, Muni Reddy K, filed a complaint earlier this month, leading the Marathahalli Police to register an FIR under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which allows for the death penalty or life imprisonment for murder.

Within three hours of filing the case, police tracked down Dr Mahendra Reddy near Manipal and took him into custody. A Look-Out Circular (LOC) was also issued to prevent him from leaving the country.

Family Alleges Hidden Criminal Past

The victim's family has alleged that the accused's criminal background, including prior cases of cheating, threats, and intimidation, was concealed before the marriage.

In an emotional statement, Mr Muni Reddy said: "Dr Kruthika trusted her husband completely. The same medical knowledge that should have saved lives was used to destroy hers. We seek the harshest punishment for this act and justice for our daughter, whose loss is a loss to society."