He wanted to watch his wife’s autopsy, alleges family of 'murdered' doctor

Bengaluru: The family of Dr Kruthika M Reddy, who was allegedly murdered by her husband Dr Mahendra Reddy GS using a powerful anaesthetic drug, has claimed that he attempted to enter the autopsy room to disrupt the procedure.

"He tried to enter the autopsy room and sought permission to witness his own wife’s autopsy. The police denied access. We found it highly unusual and insisted on a detailed forensic test and analysis,” a close relative told DH on condition of anonymity.

"We learnt that he frequently watched TV series and movies on murder and crime. After this, his behaviour changed. 

"When Kruthika’s father made enquiries, it emerged that Mahendra’s brother faced cheating and criminal cases, in which Mahendra was also named as a co-accused."

Three days ago, the family also learnt that Mahendra had allegedly been in a relationship with a woman from his post-graduation days in Mumbai, which continued after his marriage — a fact his parents were aware of.

"He was financially dependent on Kruthika. We do not know where the money he earned during his fellowship at Victoria Hospital went. He demanded that his father-in-law set up a hospital for him, but he advised him to first gain experience by working at the new clinic, Skin and Scalpel, in Marathahalli. Later, two cheques issued by him and his father towards the clinic bounced,” the relative claimed.

Mahendra and Kruthika were married on May 26, 2024, in a grand ceremony at Gunjur on the eastern outskirts of Bengaluru. “A few days after the marriage, it became clear that he did not care for my daughter. He told her he had no money when she wanted to go on a trip to Europe,” her father, K Munireddy, stated in the FIR.

Overdosage of propofol can cause death: Expert

Dr Vijay Kumar, anaesthetist and intensivist at Victoria Hospital, said propofol is an intravenous anaesthetic used during surgeries or sedation procedures.

"The dosage is usually 1–2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, and to maintain sedation, 50–200 micrograms per kilogram per minute is administered,” he explained.

"An overdose can cause a steep drop in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to death. Using an IV cannula in the leg at home is highly unusual,” Dr Vijay added.

(Inputs from Amullya Shivashankar)