Victim’s family claims husband’s affair fueled anaesthesia murder
Police said they are probing several angles, including a suspected affair, financial conflicts, and signs of a carefully planned murder.
The shocking death of 28-year-old Bengaluru-based dermatologist Dr. Kritika Reddy has left her family shattered and the medical community stunned. What was initially believed to be a sudden medical emergency has now turned into a chilling murder investigation. Police allege that Kritika’s husband, Dr. Mahendra Reddy, also a doctor, deliberately administered a lethal dose of anaesthetic drugs — turning what should have been a treatment into a fatal act of betrayal.
According to investigators, Mahendra injected propofol, a powerful anaesthetic, into Kritika under the pretext of giving her medication at their home in Marathahalli. The drug, used primarily in hospitals and operation theatres, can cause respiratory failure if given in high doses or without monitoring. Police believe the injection was carefully planned and executed to appear as a medical accident.
For Kritika’s family, the truth was unthinkable. Her sister, Dr. Nikhita, recounted how the family’s suspicions began almost immediately after her death. “We had doubts from the very day my sister passed away,” she told reporters on Thursday. “We wanted a postmortem done, but Mahendra became extremely emotional. He said he couldn’t bear to see Kritika’s body being cut open. He cried, pleaded, and tried to convince us it wasn’t necessary.”
Despite his resistance, the family insisted on an autopsy — a decision that would later uncover crucial evidence. “We trusted him completely,” Nikhita continued. Kritika loved him deeply. He was administering unnecessary medicines and drips to her under different pretexts, even though she was completely healthy.”
Police sources say the investigation is now focusing on multiple angles, including a suspected extra-marital affair, financial disputes, and premeditated intent. Deputy Commissioner of Police Parashuram confirmed that digital evidence, call records, and financial transactions are being examined. “Preliminary evidence suggests that Dr. Mahendra Reddy deliberately administered the anaesthesia injection to end his wife’s life,” he said. “We are pursuing every lead — from personal relationships to possible financial motives.
The family’s anguish is compounded by a sense of betrayal. They say that Mahendra not only deceived Kritika but also manipulated their trust to cover up his crime. “He behaved like a grieving husband,” Nikhita recalled. “He acted heartbroken, convincing everyone that he was shattered by her death. But once the postmortem was done, the truth started to unfold. That’s when we realized we had lost Kritika not to fate, but to someone’s cruelty.”
Unable to live in the house where Kritika died, the family has since donated the property to ISKCON, fulfilling what they say was part of her lifelong wish to help others. “Kritika always believed in doing good,” her parents said in a joint statement. Donating her home to a temple is our way of honouring her memory.”
Police, meanwhile, have assured the family of a thorough and impartial investigation. “We will uncover the full truth once forensic and digital analyses are complete.”
The case has sparked widespread outrage and disbelief, especially among Bengaluru’s medical fraternity. Many of Kritika’s colleagues described her as a compassionate doctor, devoted to her patients and deeply committed to her profession. “It’s horrifying to think someone she loved and trusted could do this to her.”
As the investigation progresses, Kritika’s family continues to demand justice — not just for her, but for every woman who suffers in silence behind the facade of a “happy marriage.” “We don’t want revenge,” Nikhita said softly. Kritika deserves that much.”
The tragedy has left Bengaluru shaken, exposing once again how love, trust, and betrayal can intertwine in the most unimaginable ways. For Kritika’s loved ones, the pain remains raw — but so does their resolve to see her story end with justice, not silence.