Bengaluru: Dr Mahendra Reddy G S, a city-based surgeon, has denied administering any medicine to his dermatologist wife, Dr Kruthika M Reddy (29), including the controlled anaesthetic Propofol, multiple police sources told Deccan Herald.
The case resurfaced six months after Kruthika’s death in April 2025, following forensic tests that revealed traces of Propofol in her organs. The Marathahalli police arrested Mahendra on Tuesday, 31, and he was remanded to nine days of police custody starting Wednesday.
A senior police official said, “He is not opening up and cooperating with the investigators. He is a bit stubborn. In fact, he is now claiming that he did not administer the drug. The motive is yet to be clear, and how and where he accessed the drug is under investigation.”
Forensic evidence and investigation
Kruthika’s father, K Munireddy, alleged that between April 21 and April 24, Mahendra administered “medicine” to her via multiple doses through an IV cannula, now suspected to have been Propofol. Kruthika had been reportedly complaining of gastric discomfort at the time.
Police sources revealed that the Scene of Crime (SOCO) team has recovered the IV cannula set, injections, and other medical paraphernalia allegedly used in the crime. Technical evidence, including call records, travel history, and other relevant details, is being analysed to strengthen the case.
The investigators also plan to confront Mahendra with the evidence collected, including forensic and technical material. Officials added that further custody may be sought if he continues to withhold cooperation.
Possible motive under scrutiny
The FIR also mentions that Mahendra had reportedly demanded that Kruthika’s father build a hospital for him. Additionally, authorities are probing rumours regarding Mahendra’s alleged relationship with another woman.
A police officer involved in the investigation said, “Along with interrogation, we are gathering all possible technical and circumstantial evidence to determine motive and establish the chain of events leading to Kruthika’s death.”
Background
Dr Kruthika M Reddy, a dermatologist, passed away on April 24, 2025, two months after marrying Mahendra Reddy, a surgical resident at the Institute of Gastroenterology Sciences and Organ Transplant (IGOT). Her death, initially treated as natural or accidental, turned into a murder investigation after Propofol was detected during forensic testing.
Mahendra has reportedly maintained his innocence since the start of the investigation, but the presence of a controlled anaesthetic in Kruthika’s system and the recovery of medical instruments at the scene have escalated the case.
Police officials continue to scrutinise Mahendra’s access to medical drugs and his interactions with colleagues and family members, hoping to unravel both the motive and method behind the alleged crime.
Authorities have stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that all leads, including the technical and forensic evidence, are being carefully analysed before any further legal action is taken.