Bengaluru Doctor Murder: Chilling Confession Reveals ‘Administered Medicine Through Cannula’

The quiet corridors of a Bengaluru hospital turned into the backdrop of a chilling domestic tragedy that has gripped the nation. The Bengaluru doctor murder case—where renowned surgeon Dr. Mahendra Reddy stands accused of killing his wife, fellow physician Dr. Krutika Reddy—has taken a sinister turn with the filing of a massive 2,322-page chargesheet by city police. What makes this case especially disturbing isn’t just the crime itself, but the method: a confession that he “administered medicine through a cannula,” coupled with forensic evidence of a powerful anesthetic found on the victim’s body.

The Crime That Shook Bengaluru’s Medical Community
Bengaluru Doctor Murder: Key Evidence Uncovered
The Chilling Confession and Its Implications
Digital Trail Reveals Motive and Deception
Why Propofol Is a Red Flag in Homicide Cases
Broader Concerns About Domestic Violence in High-Profile Professions
Conclusion: A Case Built on Forensics and Digital Footprints
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The Crime That Shook Bengaluru’s Medical Community

On a seemingly ordinary day in early January 2025, Dr. Krutika Reddy was found unresponsive at her residence in Bengaluru’s upscale Koramangala area. Her husband, Dr. Mahendra Reddy—a respected general surgeon—initially claimed she had died from a sudden cardiac event. But inconsistencies in his story and the absence of any prior health issues raised immediate red flags among investigators .

What followed was one of Karnataka’s most meticulously investigated homicide cases, involving forensic experts, cybercrime units, and medical examiners—all converging on a single, horrifying conclusion: this was no natural death, but a premeditated act of violence by someone who knew exactly how to make it look like one.

Bengaluru Doctor Murder: Key Evidence Uncovered

The Bengaluru police have built a formidable case against Dr. Mahendra Reddy, anchored by five critical pieces of evidence detailed in their exhaustive chargesheet:

Forensic Detection of Propofol: Traces of the intravenous anesthetic propofol were found on Dr. Krutika’s clothing and near the injection site, despite no legitimate medical reason for its use at home [[1], [4]].
Confession Statement: Under questioning, Dr. Mahendra allegedly admitted to “administering medicine through a cannula” while his wife slept, claiming it was a sedative—but offered no prescription or medical justification .
Digital Communications: Thousands of messages recovered from his phone revealed an extramarital affair with a woman friend, establishing a clear motive rooted in marital discord and potential plans for a new life .
CCTV and Timeline Discrepancies: Surveillance footage contradicted his initial alibi, placing him alone with the victim during the critical window of death .
Lack of Emergency Response: Despite being a trained surgeon, he did not attempt CPR or call for emergency medical help immediately, raising serious questions about his intent .

The Chilling Confession and Its Implications

Perhaps the most haunting element of this case is the accused’s own words. By admitting he administered a substance intravenously—a procedure requiring medical expertise—he inadvertently confirmed both opportunity and means. In the medical world, inserting a cannula isn’t a casual act; it’s a clinical intervention. Doing so without consent or medical necessity crosses into criminal territory.

This confession, if upheld in court, could be the linchpin of the prosecution’s argument. It transforms the narrative from a tragic accident to a deliberate, calculated act by someone who abused his professional knowledge.

Digital Trail Reveals Motive and Deception

Beyond the physical evidence, the digital footprint tells a story of betrayal and planning. Investigators uncovered extensive WhatsApp and SMS exchanges between Dr. Mahendra and a close female associate, where he expressed frustration with his marriage and hinted at “starting fresh” . These messages, timestamped just days before the murder, provide a compelling motive that aligns with classic patterns seen in intimate partner homicides.

[INTERNAL_LINK:domestic-violence-signs] This case underscores how even high-achieving professionals can hide toxic relationships behind public personas of success and stability.

Why Propofol Is a Red Flag in Homicide Cases

Propofol is not your average medication. It’s a fast-acting, potent anesthetic used almost exclusively in controlled hospital settings for surgeries or intensive care. Its presence outside such environments is highly suspicious.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, propofol can cause respiratory depression and cardiac arrest if misused—especially in non-clinical settings without monitoring equipment . Its detection in Dr. Krutika’s case strongly suggests foul play, as there’s no plausible therapeutic reason for its use at home.

This isn’t the first time propofol has been linked to a high-profile death—the 2009 case of Michael Jackson brought global attention to its dangers when used improperly . In the context of the Bengaluru doctor murder, it serves as both a weapon and a clue.

Broader Concerns About Domestic Violence in High-Profile Professions

The tragedy of Dr. Krutika Reddy—a skilled, educated woman in a position of societal trust—highlights a disturbing reality: domestic violence doesn’t discriminate by profession, income, or education level. Doctors, lawyers, engineers—they are all vulnerable.

Experts from organizations like the World Health Organization emphasize that intimate partner violence remains a leading cause of death among women globally, often hidden behind closed doors . This case should prompt medical institutions and professional bodies to implement better mental health and conflict-resolution support systems for their members.

Conclusion: A Case Built on Forensics and Digital Footprints

The Bengaluru doctor murder is a stark reminder that in the digital age, truth leaves traces—whether in a text message, a chemical residue, or a moment caught on camera. The evidence against Dr. Mahendra Reddy appears overwhelming, weaving together scientific analysis, digital forensics, and a damning personal admission. As the legal process unfolds, this case will likely serve as a benchmark for how modern investigative techniques can unravel even the most carefully concealed crimes. For now, the medical community mourns the loss of Dr. Krutika Reddy—a life cut short not by disease, but by betrayal.