Bengaluru Anaesthesia Murder: Victim’s Family Alleges Husband’s Affair — ‘Had Our Suspicions Since the Day She Died’

The family of 28-year-old dermatologist Dr. Kritika Reddy, who was allegedly murdered by her husband Dr. Mahendra Reddy, has claimed that the accused was involved in an extra-marital relationship and deliberately administered a lethal dose of anaesthesia through IV injections.

“We had our doubts from the day my sister died. We demanded a postmortem, but Mahendra created an emotional scene, saying he couldn’t bear to see her body being cut,” Dr. Nikhita, Kritika’s sister, told reporters on Thursday. She alleged that Mahendra had been giving Kritika unnecessary medicines and drips despite her being in good health. “My parents treated him like their own son, but later we found out about his immoral relationship,” she said.

According to police, Mahendra allegedly injected propofol, a potent anaesthetic, into Kritika under the guise of treatment at their residence in Marathahalli, Bengaluru. “Preliminary evidence suggests that Dr. Mahendra Reddy deliberately administered the injection to end his wife’s life,” said DCP Parashuram. “We are analysing call records, financial transactions, and forensic data to determine the motive. More arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.”

Kritika’s sister further claimed that Mahendra discouraged her plans to start an independent clinic. “She wanted to open a small clinic to help poor patients, but he never supported her. He even refused to officially register their marriage,” Nikhita said.

The family also recalled that Mahendra tried to prevent the postmortem at the time of Kritika’s death. “He pretended to be heartbroken and convinced us not to go for it. But once we insisted, the truth began to unfold,” Nikhita added.

Unable to stay in the house where Kritika died, the family has since donated the property to ISKCON. “Kritika always wanted to do good for others. We gave her home to God as a tribute to her compassion,” they said.

Meanwhile, Victoria Hospital, where Mahendra previously worked, issued a clarification distancing itself from the case. “Dr. Mahendra Reddy was a certified gastro surgeon from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) for the academic year 2023–24. He completed his fellowship in March and worked with us on a contract basis until July 2, 2025, when he was relieved of his duties,” the hospital said in an official statement.

Police are currently probing multiple angles, including a suspected affair, financial disputes, and premeditated intent. “It is too early to draw conclusions about the motive. The full picture will emerge as the investigation continues,” DCP Parashuram said.