In a shocking case from India's tech capital, a prominent Bengaluru doctor has been formally charged with the murder of his wife. The police allege he used his medical expertise to administer a lethal dose of an anaesthetic drug, painting a picture of a premeditated crime rooted in personal conflict.
The Alleged Crime and Immediate Aftermath
The accused, identified as Dr. Sridhar, a 37-year-old anaesthetist, is alleged to have killed his 32-year-old wife, Dr. Shahana, who was a dentist. The incident came to light on March 20, 2024, when Dr. Shahana was found unconscious in their upscale apartment in HRBR Layout, Bengaluru. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she was declared dead on arrival.
Initial reports suggested a possible suicide or medical complication. However, the Bengaluru Police, led by the HRBR Layout police station, grew suspicious. The circumstances surrounding her death did not add up, prompting a deeper investigation. The turning point came from the post-mortem report and forensic analysis.
Unraveling the Medical Murder
The forensic examination revealed the presence of a potent anaesthetic drug, Propofol, in Dr. Shahana's system at a highly concentrated, lethal level. Propofol is a controlled substance used to induce sedation during medical procedures. Its possession and use outside a clinical setting are strictly regulated.
Investigators pieced together a timeline. They allege that on the night of March 19, Dr. Sridhar administered the drug to his wife. As an anaesthetist, he had direct access to such substances. The police theory posits that he exploited his professional knowledge to execute the act, making it appear like a natural death initially.
The primary motive, according to police charges, was an extramarital affair. It is alleged that Dr. Sridhar was involved with another woman, and the marital discord this created culminated in the drastic step. The police have collected digital evidence, including text messages and call records, to support the motive of the crime.
Legal Proceedings and Community Shock
Based on the forensic evidence and witness statements, the police have filed a comprehensive chargesheet against Dr. Sridhar under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. He was arrested and remanded to judicial custody. The legal process is now underway, with the prosecution building a case based on scientific evidence and motive.
The case has sent ripples of disbelief through the local medical community and the upscale neighbourhood. Colleagues and acquaintances of the couple have expressed profound shock, describing them as a well-educated, professional pair. The brutal nature of the alleged crime, involving the perversion of medical knowledge for harm, has added a particularly disturbing layer to the tragedy.
This incident raises unsettling questions about the misuse of professional access to controlled substances. It also highlights the intense pressures and dark outcomes that can sometimes fester behind closed doors in urban households. The Bengaluru police's methodical investigation, moving from an unclear death to a murder charge based on forensic science, is a key aspect of this developing story.
