In the sensational murder of Dr. Kruthika Reddy, a Bengaluru-based doctor, police have uncovered disturbing messages allegedly sent by her husband, Mahendra Reddy, pointing to attempts to mislead authorities and destroy evidence after the crime. A sessions court has denied him bail, citing the strength of the evidence.
Officials suspect Kruthika was killed through a fatal overdose of the anaesthetic drug Propofol, allegedly administered by her husband using his medical expertise to make the death appear natural.
Messages Suggest Cover-Up Attempt
Digital evidence retrieved from mobile phones and financial applications has helped reconstruct the sequence of events. One message allegedly sent by the accused to his girlfriend instructed her to mislead authorities.
- “Do not message or call me after seeing this. Once things settle, I will contact you.” – Attempt to control communication
- “If police ask about our relationship, say we are just friends.” – Instruction to mislead investigators
- “If they ask about repeated calls, say you had sought my help.” – Fabrication of alibi
Officials say this indicates a calculated effort to influence witness statements and obstruct the probe.
Confession-Like Message Recovered
A separate message recovered during the investigation appears to contain an admission of guilt.
“I will soon inform my parents and hers. I have no proof, but I have killed Kruthika. I will go to jail. A killer can never be happy, and I will live like one,” the accused allegedly wrote.
Authorities say this forms a crucial part of the prosecution’s digital evidence.
Massive Digital Trail Analysed
Forensic teams have examined a vast volume of data extracted from seized devices.
- Total digital files analysed: Over 10.34 lakh
- PhonePe chat records: 485
- Deleted messages: Recovered and analysed
The data is being used to map movements, communication patterns, and financial transactions linked to the accused.
The Murder: Disguised as Treatment
- Victim: Dr. Kruthika Reddy (dermatologist)
- Accused: Mahendra Reddy (husband, also a doctor)
- Method: Fatal overdose of Propofol (anaesthetic drug)
- Workplace: Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru
- Marriage Date: May 26, 2024
- Date of Death: April 23, 2025
Mahendra Reddy was arrested last month for allegedly murdering his dermatologist-wife by administering Propofol, typically restricted for use in operation theatres.
Both worked at Victoria Hospital and had married on May 26, 2024. Less than a year later, on April 23, 2025, Kruthika collapsed at her father’s home in Marathahalli, where she had been staying due to health issues.
From Unnatural Death to Murder
Initially, police registered an Unnatural Death Report as the death appeared natural. However, her sister, Nikitha M Reddy, raised suspicion and sought a detailed probe.
Months later, a forensic report confirmed the presence of Propofol in multiple organs, establishing that the anaesthetic had been administered. The case was subsequently reclassified as murder under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) , and the accused was arrested from Manipal in Udupi district, where he had relocated after the incident.
Bail Plea Rejected
A sessions court on Tuesday rejected Mahendra Reddy’s bail application, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the strength of the evidence. The court observed that the material on record does not justify granting bail at this stage.
Criminal Background Under Scanner
Police said the accused’s family also had a history of criminal cases.
- Nagendra Reddy GS (twin brother): Multiple cheating cases in 2018
- Mahendra Reddy (accused): Co-accused in 2023 threat case
- Raghava Reddy GS (brother): Co-accused in 2023 threat case
Kruthika’s family has alleged that these details were concealed at the time of marriage.
