A fresh development has emerged in the murder case of Bengaluru-based doctor Kruthika Reddy, with police uncovering disturbing digital evidence that allegedly pointed to a planned cover-up by her husband, Mahendra Reddy.
Police said messages recovered from phones and financial apps suggested that he tried to mislead authorities after the crime. In one such message sent to a woman he was reportedly involved with, he allegedly told her not to contact him and to describe their relationship as “just friends” if questioned by police, reported India Today.
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“Do not message or call me after seeing this. Once things settle, I will contact you. If police ask about our relationship, say we are just friends. If they ask about repeated calls, say you had sought my help,” his message stated, as per the report.
Officials have also found a message that appears to be an admission of guilt. In it, the accused allegedly wrote that he had killed Kruthika and would eventually confess to their families, adding that he expected to go to jail. “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 message read.
{{/usCountry}}Officials have also found a message that appears to be an admission of guilt. In it, the accused allegedly wrote that he had killed Kruthika and would eventually confess to their families, adding that he expected to go to jail. “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 message read.
{{/usCountry}}Officers said this message was a key piece of evidence. So far, forensic teams have analysed over 10 lakh digital files, including chats and deleted messages, to track his actions, communications, and financial activity.
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The case, which initially appeared to be a natural death, later turned into a murder investigation after forensic tests found traces of the anaesthetic drug, Propofol, in Kruthika’s body. Police alleged that Mahendra, a doctor himself, used his medical knowledge to administer a fatal overdose under the guise of treatment while she was staying at her parents’ home in Bengaluru's Marathahalli. She was declared dead after being taken to a private hospital for treatment.
Following the findings, the case was re-registered as murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Mahendra was arrested. A sessions court has now rejected his bail plea, noting the seriousness of the charges and the strong evidence against him.
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Police are also examining the accused’s background, including previous criminal cases involving his family. Kruthika’s family has alleged that such details were hidden at the time of the marriage. Further probe is underway.
HT could not independently verify the authenticity of this information.