Bengaluru: A surgeon has been arrested for allegedly killing his wife, a dermatologist, by administering an overdose of anaesthesia, police said on Wednesday. The arrest follows a complaint by the victim’s father and family members.
The victim, Kruthika M. Reddy, 29, was a practicing dermatologist. The accused, her husband, Mahendra Reddy G.S., is a practising surgeon. The incident took place on May 26, 2024, within the Marathahalli police station limits.
Mahendra Reddy was arrested on Tuesday in Udupi, hours after a fresh FIR was registered following a complaint by Kruthika’s father, Muni Reddy K.
Allegations and Investigation
According to the family:
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Postmortem analysis revealed Propofol, a controlled anaesthetic agent, in multiple organs of the deceased.
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Investigations indicate the drug was deliberately administered intravenously, causing fatal respiratory depression.
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Mahendra Reddy allegedly misused his professional access to procure and administer the drug and attempted to cover it up as a natural death.
The family also claims the accused had a criminal history concealed at the time of marriage.
Family Statements
Muni Reddy, the victim’s father, said:
“Kruthika trusted her husband completely. The medical knowledge of her husband, which should have saved lives, was used to destroy hers. Our family seeks the harshest punishment for this premeditated act and justice for our daughter.”
He added that the accused became angry when Kruthika asked him to make payments for her clinic equipment and that he attempted to dissuade the family from filing a complaint or conducting a postmortem.
Mohan Reddy, her brother-in-law, said:
“By ensuring the harshest punishment for the accused, we want to make sure no other woman is subjected to such grave injustice.”
Police Action
The Marathahalli police have registered a fresh FIR under Section 103 of the BNS Act and have initiated further investigations. Police officials credited Inspector Anil Kumar and Sub-Inspector Ravichandra for their swift action in the case.