Meerut blue drum murder case: Muskan Rastogi, Sahil Shukla convicted of killing Saurabh Rajput
PTC Web Desk: A court in Meerut on Wednesday convicted Muskan Rastogi and her alleged lover Sahil Shukla for the murder of Muskan’s husband, Saurabh Rajput, a Merchant Navy officer. The case drew widespread attention after Rajput’s dismembered remains were found hidden inside a blue plastic drum.
District Judge Arvind Kumar Mishra announced the verdict after a trial that lasted nearly 13 months and involved 126 hearings. The prosecution examined more than 22 witnesses and placed forensic and scientific evidence before the court.
The court will now hear arguments on the punishment to be awarded to the two convicts. The prosecution has asked for strict punishment, including the death penalty.
According to the prosecution’s case, Saurabh Rajput was allegedly drugged and killed by Muskan with the help of Sahil Shukla in March 2025. His body was then cut into pieces and the remains were placed inside a blue plastic drum. The drum was reportedly sealed with cement.
The police recovered the remains during the investigation. Muskan and Shukla had allegedly left for Himachal Pradesh after the murder and were later arrested after returning to Meerut.
The prosecution case was based mainly on circumstantial and forensic evidence, as there was no eyewitness to the killing. Police and forensic officials gave evidence about the recovery of the remains and other material linked to the case.
Post-mortem findings recorded injuries caused by sharp-edged weapons. Investigators also presented evidence concerning the alleged purchase of a knife, razor, plastic drum, cement and sand.
The defence questioned the prosecution's case, highlighting the absence of an eyewitness. The defence lawyers also challenged the circumstances presented by the prosecution and claimed that the accused had been linked to the case over a property dispute.
Final arguments in the case were completed on September 17. The court then fixed September 30 for the verdict.
Security was increased around the Meerut court complex ahead of the judgment.
The case had also seen an incident of violence earlier. In March 2025, Shukla was allegedly attacked by a group of lawyers when he was brought to court. The police intervened and removed him from the area under tight security.
The court will now decide the sentence after hearing arguments from both sides.
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- PTC NEWS
