Bangalore, Karnataka, India: Six months after Dr Kruthika Reddy’s unexpected passing was initially classified as natural, forensic evidence revealed she had been administered Propofol, a powerful anaesthetic, leading to the arrest of her husband.

The 28-year-old dermatologist from Bengaluru, Dr Kruthika Reddy, is believed to have lost her life due to actions by her spouse, Dr Mahendra Reddy, a surgeon. Authorities allege he misused his medical knowledge to administer a dangerous dose under the guise of treatment.

Her passing, first reported as sudden and natural, was reexamined when forensic tests confirmed the presence of Propofol in her system. Following these findings, Mahendra Reddy was taken into custody on October 14, according to earlier reports.

At her Ayyappa Layout residence, a plaque now reads: “In Memory of Dr Kruthika M Reddy,” a poignant reminder of her father’s grief.

“I built this home hoping to see my daughter enjoy life with her husband and children,” her father, K Muni Reddy, told The Indian Express. He has since donated the property to ISKCON.

Dr Kruthika had moved into her marital home with Mahendra Reddy after their wedding in May 2024. By the following April, she passed away under suspicious circumstances after receiving at-home treatment for gastritis via intravenous medication administered by her husband.

Half a year later, the family’s fears were confirmed. Forensic reports showed that she had been given a dangerous dose of Propofol, an anaesthetic normally limited to hospital use.

Mahendra, 31, who worked as a general surgeon at Victoria Hospital, was taken into custody on October 14 for allegedly causing his wife’s death with “clinical precision,” according to Whitefield police.

“Mahendra meticulously planned his wife’s death, using his knowledge of her health for harmful purposes,” stated DCP M Parashuram of Whitefield.

Police revealed that Mahendra used his understanding of Kruthika’s medical history to disguise the incident as legitimate treatment. On April 21, he administered an IV injection for supposed gastric discomfort. Two days later, she reported pain at the injection site.

Despite her complaints, Mahendra instructed her over WhatsApp not to remove the IV and visited her home to provide another dose. By the following morning, she was found unconscious. Although he was a doctor, he did not perform CPR, and she was declared deceased at a nearby hospital.

Postmortem and Forensic Science Laboratory tests detected anaesthetic compounds in her body, changing the case from natural death to suspicious death.

“Our daughter trusted that her marriage was based on love and care. Yet, the same knowledge meant to help her was misused,” Muni Reddy said, the father who filed the complaint that led to the arrest.

Investigators suspect that Mahendra may have been frustrated by chronic gastric and metabolic conditions that Kruthika’s family had not disclosed before the marriage, possibly contributing to resentment.

Even after her death, Mahendra reportedly remained unusually calm, treating the event as a medical incident. He has now been charged under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Kruthika, who had plans to launch her own dermatology clinic, Skin & Scalpel, on May 4, was remembered for her dedication and compassionate care for patients.

Her father has sought solace through spirituality. “Her memories linger every day. Three months ago, I donated the house to ISKCON, where they conduct devotional events. I believe she will be part of this legacy,” Muni Reddy shared.