Bengaluru Doctor to Face Trial for Wife’s Anaesthesia Murder

In a shocking incident that has left Bengaluru residents stunned, a young doctor has been arrested for allegedly killing his wife by using anaesthesia at their home. The disturbing case, which police have described as a “cold and calculated act,” reportedly took place less than a year after the couple’s marriage.

The accused, identified as 32-year-old Dr. Rithesh Kumar, was working at a private hospital in Bengaluru. His wife, Dr. Aakansha Mehta, aged 29, was also a medical professional at another reputed hospital in the city. Both came from respected families and had tied the knot in December 2024 in a grand ceremony, attended by relatives and friends who described them as a “happy couple.”

According to Bengaluru police, the crime came to light when neighbours alerted authorities after Aakansha failed to respond to calls and messages for two days. When officers reached the couple’s apartment in the upscale Whitefield area, they found her lifeless body on the bed, with no visible signs of external injury. Initial reports suggested a natural death, but the medical examination soon revealed anaesthesia overdose as the cause.

The forensics team discovered syringes, vials, and sedatives commonly used in operation theatres. Investigators grew suspicious after checking CCTV footage showing the husband entering and leaving the flat multiple times on the night of the incident, carrying a hospital bag.

During interrogation, Dr. Kumar initially tried to claim that his wife had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. However, inconsistent statements and the presence of anaesthetic drugs pointed towards foul play. Police later confirmed that he had administered the lethal dose while she was asleep.

Further investigation uncovered that the couple had frequent quarrels in recent months over financial matters and career differences. Friends told police that Aakansha had considered moving back to her parents’ home due to growing tension in their marriage.

According to the investigating officer, “Dr. Kumar meticulously planned the murder. Being a medical professional, he was well aware of anaesthesia’s effects and used his knowledge to execute the crime without leaving physical marks.”

Shockingly, investigators believe the murder was premeditated. Officials found evidence that Dr. Kumar had searched online for ways to administer controlled substances and had collected vials of anaesthetic drugs over several days from the hospital where he worked.

The couple had been married for just ten months, and family members say there were no major issues known to them. However, police suspect that jealousy and mistrust may have played a role. The police have also seized Dr. Kumar’s laptop and phone for further digital evidence.

The news has sparked widespread outrage among Bengaluru’s medical community. Colleagues expressed disbelief, saying both doctors were known for their dedication to their profession. The Karnataka Medical Council has condemned the incident and stated it will review the case once the investigation is complete.

Social media users expressed grief and anger, calling for stricter background checks on medical professionals handling controlled drugs. Many people described the act as “an unforgivable misuse of medical knowledge.”

Dr. Kumar has been charged under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for murder and remains in police custody. Authorities are also looking into whether he used any hospital stock illegally or tampered with patient records to cover his tracks.

Police Commissioner B. Dayanand stated that strict action would be taken, adding, “This case is an example of how medical expertise can be dangerously misused when driven by malice. Justice will be ensured.”

The case continues to unfold as forensic experts examine the collected evidence. The final post-mortem report and digital forensics are expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming court proceedings.

The incident serves as a painful reminder of how domestic issues can turn fatal when left unchecked. Experts have stressed the importance of mental health counselling for couples, particularly those in high-stress professions like medicine. As Bengaluru mourns the young doctor’s untimely death, the shocking murder also raises troubling questions about trust, emotional wellbeing, and how professional knowledge can be weaponised in personal disputes.

With inputs from agencies

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