Shivamogga: A doctor allegedly murdered his elderly uncle and aunt by administering an anaesthetic drug, propofol, in order to steal their gold jewellery and repay his debts, police said on Wednesday.
The accused, Dr G P Mallesh, a resident of Holehonnur, was arrested by Shivamogga district police in connection with the deaths of Chandranna (78) and his wife Jayamma (75). Mallesh is the son of Chandranna’s younger brother.
Police said the murders came to light on Tuesday after the couple’s son, G C Vishwanath, failed to reach his parents on the phone. Concerned, he asked neighbours to check on them, and both were found dead in their home in Bhutanagudi area of Bhadravathi taluk, around 20 km from Shivamogga.
Propofol is a tightly regulated drug used in operation theatres and intensive care units and is not available for over-the-counter sale.
According to investigators, Mallesh, an ayurvedic practitioner who had been treating the couple for years, was facing financial distress and had sought a loan of ₹15 lakh from his uncle. When the request was refused, police allege he planned the killings.
On Monday afternoon, Mallesh visited the couple’s home under the pretext of treating Chandranna for varicose veins. He allegedly administered a lethal dose of propofol, causing a sharp drop in blood pressure that led to Chandranna’s death between 12.45 pm and 1 pm. He is then accused of using the same method to kill Jayamma.
Police said the accused took around 80 grams of gold jewellery from the house, later pawning the ornaments. Part of the money was used to settle debts, and he allegedly transferred ₹50,000 to his bank account before returning to his home in Holehonnur.
After the couple’s bodies were discovered, their final rites were conducted on Tuesday evening. Vishwanath later informed Mallesh — who was both his cousin and family doctor — about the deaths. Mallesh reportedly claimed he had met the couple on Monday and that they appeared healthy, but his failure to visit the house thereafter raised suspicion.
Following a complaint by Vishwanath, police detained Mallesh for questioning on Wednesday. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to administering an overdose of propofol. “We are investigating how he procured the drug,” said Shivamogga Superintendent of Police B Nikhil.
The couple is survived by three sons. Mallesh is unmarried.
