Bengaluru: Dr. Mahendra Reddy, a general physician at Victoria Hospital, has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife, Dr. Kritika Reddy, a dermatologist at the same hospital. Her death, initially believed to be due to natural causes, has now been confirmed to involve toxic substances, prompting a thorough police investigation.
Discovery of Toxic Chemicals
Dr. Kritika Reddy, 32, passed away six months ago under circumstances that seemed sudden but unexplained. At the time, preliminary examinations suggested a natural cause, and no foul play was suspected. However, during a recent post-mortem re-evaluation conducted after family concerns and inconsistencies in her medical records, forensic experts detected toxic chemicals in her body. The revelation prompted law enforcement to reopen the case and question Dr. Mahendra extensively.
Police sources stated that the toxic substances were consistent with poison ingestion over a period, rather than accidental exposure, raising suspicions of deliberate foul play. Dr. Mahendra reportedly confessed to administering the poison, citing unresolved marital discord as the motive.
Alleged Motive
Investigators revealed that Dr. Mahendra alleged Dr. Kritika had withheld certain health-related information before their marriage, leading to disputes between the couple. While the exact nature of these disputes is being kept confidential, officials say that the conflict escalated over time, culminating in the alleged criminal act.
Hospital and Public Reactions
Victoria Hospital authorities have expressed shock over the incident, noting that both doctors were well-regarded in their respective fields. Colleagues described the couple as generally professional, and the news has rattled the local medical community.
Residents and neighbours have also expressed concern about the safety of domestic spaces and the need for timely intervention when family disputes escalate. Legal experts suggest that poisoning cases often require extensive forensic evaluation, which can take months, and emphasise that confession evidence will be crucial for the prosecution.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to investigate to determine the method of poison administration, possible access to the chemicals, and whether any accomplices may have been involved. Authorities are also reviewing Dr. Kritika’s medical history and prescriptions to reconstruct the sequence of events. The case will likely move to court once the investigation is complete and sufficient evidence has been gathered.