Bengaluru dermatologist murder case: Probe launched into Surgeon's Anaesthetic drug source

Bengaluru: The general surgeon from Bengaluru's Victoria Hospital, who was recently arrested for allegedly killing his wife, a dermatologist, by administering a lethal dose of anaesthesia, has been remanded to nine days' police custody.

The police, during the custody period, will investigate how the surgeon procured the drug and the rumour about his extramarital affair with another woman. On Thursday, a police team carried out a spot inspection at the couple’s home in Gunjur and seized laptops, phones, and other electronic devices. These items have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for data analysis.

Medical Dialogues had reported that the doctor killed his wife six months ago, but initially tried to portray her death as natural. However, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report confirmed the presence of an anaesthetic substance in her organs, prompting the police to arrest him.

Also read- Victoria Hospital Surgeon arrested for killing dermatologist wife with anaesthesia overdose

What became more suspicious was that when the deceased doctor’s family claimed the accused had tried to enter the autopsy room, seeking permission to witness his wife’s post-mortem. Finding his behaviour suspicious, they insisted on a detailed forensic examination. They stated that he intended to disrupt the procedure.

The forensic report revealed the presence of a lethal dose of Propofol, indicating that her death was possibly premeditated. During interrogation, the doctor confessed that he was upset over her undisclosed health issues before marriage and had deliberately administered the deadly dose.

“The FSL report earlier confirmed the presence of Propofol, an intravenous anaesthetic, in Kritika’s viscera, which turned the case from an unnatural death into a murder probe,” a senior police officer told TOI.

Investigators are now trying to find out how the accused obtained the drug and what his motive might have been. They are also checking claims that he was close to another woman.

It has been reported that the accused reportedly told police that his wife had been suffering from gastrointestinal issues, but officers said the illness was not serious enough to explain her sudden death.

Also read- Himachal Medical Officers' Association defends doctor after viral video sparks outcry