In a chilling turn of events, Meerut, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, became the epicenter of a gruesome murder case that has left the nation in shock. The crime involved the brutal killing of a former Merchant Navy officer, Saurabh Rajput, allegedly orchestrated by his wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her lover, Sahil Shukla. Adding to the public’s outrage, a video surfaced showing Muskan and Sahil celebrating the festival of Holi just days after the heinous act.
Background of the Individuals Involved
Saurabh Rajput
Saurabh Rajput, a 29-year-old former Merchant Navy officer, was known for his dedication to his profession. He married Muskan in 2016, and the couple was blessed with a daughter in 2019. To spend more time with his family, Saurabh resigned from his position, a decision that reportedly led to financial and marital strains.
Muskan Rastogi
Muskan, Saurabh’s wife, had a background intertwined with Sahil Shukla. Their relationship reportedly began in 2019, three years after her marriage to Saurabh, leading to a tumultuous marital life.
Sahil Shukla
Sahil Shukla, Muskan’s lover, was a childhood acquaintance. Their relationship rekindled through a WhatsApp group in 2019, leading to an affair that would culminate in the tragic events of 2025.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Murder
Marriage and Early Years
Saurabh and Muskan’s marriage in 2016 started on a positive note, with the couple welcoming a daughter in 2019. However, financial challenges arose, especially after Saurabh left his job to be with his family.
Emergence of Marital Issues
Financial difficulties strained their relationship. Saurabh’s decision to work abroad in London to alleviate these issues led to further distance between the couple.
Muskan and Sahil’s Relationship
During Saurabh’s absence, Muskan and Sahil’s relationship deepened. Their affair became a significant point of contention upon Saurabh’s return.
Saurabh’s Return from London
In February 2025, Saurabh returned to India to celebrate his daughter’s birthday, unaware of the deadly plans being hatched against him.
The Murder
Planning and Motive
Muskan and Sahil viewed Saurabh as an obstacle to their relationship. Their alleged motive was to eliminate him to be together without hindrance.
Execution of the Crime
On March 4, 2025, they allegedly drugged Saurabh by mixing sedatives into his food. Once he was unconscious, Sahil reportedly stabbed him to death while Muskan assisted.
Dismemberment and Disposal of the Body
They then dismembered his body into approximately 15 pieces using sharp tools. To conceal the crime, they placed the body parts inside a large plastic drum, filled it with cement, and sealed it shut. The drum was stored in a rented apartment in Meerut’s Indira Nagar area.
Aftermath of the Murder
Initial Cover-Up Attempts
The couple attempted to maintain normalcy in their daily lives to avoid suspicion. However, when Saurabh’s family became concerned about his sudden disappearance, they filed a missing person report, prompting a police investigation.
Discovery of the Crime
During the investigation, officers detected a foul smell emanating from the rented apartment. Upon searching the premises, they discovered the cement-filled drum containing Saurabh’s dismembered remains. Inconsistencies in Muskan’s statements led the police to suspect her involvement. Following interrogation, both Muskan and Sahil confessed to the crime, leading to their arrest.
Public Reaction
The video’s release intensified public outrage, showcasing the duo’s audacity and insensitivity. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions condemning their actions.
Investigation and Arrest
Police Involvement
Following Saurabh’s disappearance, his family filed a missing person report, prompting a police investigation. The discovery of the cement-filled drum led to the arrest of Muskan and Sahil.
Confession and Charges
Under interrogation, both suspects confessed to the crime, leading to charges of murder and evidence tampering.
Legal Proceedings
Court Appearances
On March 19, 2025, Muskan and Sahil were presented before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. Outside the courthouse, a group of lawyers
