In a shocking case that has rattled Bengaluru, surgeon Mahendra Reddy has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife, Kruthika Reddy, in a crime meticulously planned using his medical expertise. The case has drawn widespread attention, not only for its chilling details but also for the digital evidence that linked the accused directly to the act.

According to police officials and forensic reports cited by NDTV, Mahendra sent a haunting message to his lover shortly after the murder, reading, “I killed my wife for you.” The message, discovered during a forensic analysis of his phone, was sent via a digital payment app. Authorities have questioned the woman who received the message and recorded her statement, although her identity has not been made public.

The 32-year-old general surgeon is alleged to have orchestrated the murder with extreme precision, exploiting his wife’s health vulnerabilities and using his professional knowledge of anaesthesia. Police investigations revealed that Mahendra had only recently learned of Kruthika’s long-standing gastric and metabolic disorders after their marriage. The couple had tied the knot on May 26, 2024, but their relationship deteriorated quickly following revelations about her health.

Whitefield Deputy Commissioner of Police M. Parashuram stated that the accused had deliberately and systematically exploited his medical knowledge. “He knew her medical vulnerabilities and used his professional knowledge to exploit them. The evidence shows deliberate and precise use of anaesthetic drugs,” Parashuram said. According to the DCP, Mahendra administered a fatal dose of anaesthesia, leading to respiratory failure and ultimately Kruthika’s death.

Kruthika was staying at her father’s residence in Marathahalli, Bengaluru, when she began showing signs of illness and fatigue. Mahendra, under the guise of providing medical care, visited her and administered intravenous injections containing anaesthetic agents over the course of two days. On April 23, 2025, Kruthika became unconscious once more and was rushed to a private hospital, where she was declared “brought dead.”

Initially, Kruthika’s family accepted that her death was due to natural causes. However, her sister, Dr. Nikitha Reddy, insisted on clarifying the cause of death. Following her insistence, police filed an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) based on the hospital memo and began a detailed investigation. Forensic confirmation later established that Kruthika’s death resulted from respiratory failure caused by anaesthetic substances, providing concrete evidence of foul play.

The investigation has uncovered a deeply premeditated act. Mahendra is accused of exploiting both his medical expertise and his position of trust to commit the crime without arousing immediate suspicion. Authorities noted that the murder could have been prevented had proper medical oversight been sought during the period Kruthika fell ill.

The digital message discovered on Mahendra’s phone has become a pivotal piece of evidence. Investigators described it as a “direct admission” of guilt, linking him to the crime and his relationship with another woman. Police have confirmed that they are examining his communications and digital footprint extensively to build a strong case.

Officials said Mahendra was arrested six months after the incident, highlighting the meticulous efforts taken to gather forensic and digital evidence. The case underscores how advances in forensic technology, combined with vigilant family members, can play a critical role in unraveling crimes that initially appear as natural deaths.

The accused surgeon now faces multiple criminal charges, including murder and administering lethal substances with intent. Police have also indicated that additional investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of premeditation and whether there was any assistance or complicity in planning the crime.

The case has sent shockwaves across Bengaluru’s medical community. Colleagues and acquaintances have expressed disbelief, noting that Mahendra had presented himself as a responsible professional. The alleged crime has sparked debates on ethics, trust, and the potential misuse of medical knowledge for criminal purposes.

Family members of Kruthika have demanded swift justice. Her sister Dr. Nikitha Reddy, in particular, has been vocal in her pursuit of the truth, emphasizing that the case is as much about uncovering the facts as it is about ensuring accountability for abuse of trust within families and professional relationships.

Police have urged the public not to speculate or spread unverified information regarding the case, stressing that the investigation is ongoing and that evidence is being carefully documented. Authorities confirmed that the forensic and digital analyses played a critical role in identifying the accused and establishing a link between the suspect and the crime.

As legal proceedings begin, the Bengaluru police have assured that the accused will face strict scrutiny under the law. Mahendra Reddy remains in custody, and authorities have stated that the matter will be pursued diligently to ensure justice for Kruthika and her family.

The case has reignited conversations around domestic safety, spousal trust, and the critical role family members play in monitoring unusual or unexplained illnesses. Experts say that while medical knowledge is meant to save lives, it can also, if misused, become a powerful tool for committing harm.

This disturbing incident highlights the intersection of personal relationships, professional responsibility, and digital evidence in modern criminal investigations. Authorities have reiterated the importance of forensic vigilance, the role of family advocacy, and the necessity of transparent medical and legal procedures in ensuring such crimes do not go undetected.

The arrest of Mahendra Reddy marks a significant step forward in Bengaluru’s efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, even in cases involving professionals with specialized skills. The ongoing investigation will likely shed further light on the planning, execution, and possible motives behind the murder, as authorities aim to provide a comprehensive account to the courts and the public.