Kritika murder case: police file 3,700-page chargesheet against husband Mahendra Reddy

Bengaluru: In a major development in the sensational murder of dermatologist Dr. Kritika, the Marathahalli police on Friday filed a massive 3,700-page chargesheet against the prime accused, her husband Dr. Mahendra Reddy, before the court. The case, which came to light nearly six months after the death, had sparked nationwide outrage and intense debate within medical and legal circles.

According to police sources, the chargesheet clearly establishes motive, preparation and execution of the crime. Investigators have cited the accused’s alleged frustration over his wife’s health condition and his close relationships with several women as the primary reasons that led to the murder. The police have concluded that Mahendra Reddy deliberately administered an excessive dose of anaesthetic injection to his wife inside their home, leading to her death.

The detailed chargesheet has been submitted to the city ACMM court following a three-month-long investigation led by Marathahalli police inspector Anil Kumar. It includes crucial documents such as the post-mortem report, forensic science laboratory (FSL) findings, call detail records, medical procurement evidence and statements of multiple witnesses. Sources said the forensic reports played a key role in establishing that the cause of death was not natural, but due to illegal administration of anaesthetic drugs.

The case dates back to May 26, 2024, when Dr. Kritika Reddy and Dr. Mahendra Reddy were married in Munekolalu. Police stated that the couple initially shared a cordial relationship after marriage. However, tensions soon surfaced after Mahendra allegedly learnt about Kritika’s long-standing health issues. Investigators claim that he was upset with her parents, accusing them of hiding her medical condition prior to the marriage, which resulted in frequent marital discord.

Further investigation revealed that Mahendra Reddy maintained close contacts with more than 10 women, including several women doctors. Kritika had reportedly objected to these relationships, leading to repeated arguments between the couple. Police believe this opposition angered the accused, who allegedly viewed his wife as an obstacle to his “free lifestyle”.

The chargesheet states that driven by this resentment, Mahendra planned the murder and illegally procured anaesthetic injections by misusing his identity as a doctor. He then administered the drug to Kritika in quantities exceeding permissible limits, leading to her death. After the incident, the accused allegedly pretended to be a grieving husband and attempted to portray the death as natural.

However, the post-mortem report raised serious red flags by indicating that the cause of death was linked to anaesthetic injection. The truth surfaced six months later, triggering public shock and widespread condemnation. Kritika’s father, devastated by the revelations, lodged a formal complaint at the Marathahalli police station, following which the case took a dramatic turn.

Acting swiftly, police arrested Mahendra Reddy from Udupi and brought him to Bengaluru for further interrogation. During the probe, investigators questioned his close female associates and gathered evidence related to illegal procurement of restricted drugs. Police sources confirmed that the accused had purchased the anaesthetic injections without proper authorisation and used them unlawfully.

With the filing of the voluminous chargesheet, the prosecution is expected to strongly pursue the case, which is likely to be closely watched as it proceeds to trial.