Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla, who were found guilty of murdering Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput, faced emotional challenges following their conviction. Reportedly, both individuals experienced significant distress after the court’s ruling on Wednesday. They refused to consume their dinner on the night of the verdict, leading jail officials to step in and provide counselling to address their emotional state.

According to Senior Jail Superintendent Viresh Raj Sharma, the convicts only managed to eat a small amount of food after receiving counselling. On Thursday, they continued to show signs of distress, consuming very little during meals. Sharma noted that the jail administration plans to extend the counselling sessions to support their mental wellbeing. This intervention highlights the psychological impact of the ruling on the convicts.

Reports indicate that Sahil Shukla was seen crying for the first time in jail, while Muskan Rastogi appeared visibly troubled. The intense emotional response from both convicts raises concerns about their mental health in the aftermath of the verdict.

Concerns Over Child’s Future Raised by Muskan Rastogi

Muskan Rastogi, who is currently incarcerated with her ten-month-old daughter, expressed worries about the future of her child. Jail Superintendent Sharma stated that under the rules, a child may remain with their mother in jail until the age of six. This situation adds an additional layer of complexity to Muskan’s circumstances as she navigates her legal challenges while caring for her daughter.

The court session on Wednesday was conducted via video link, allowing Muskan to appear alongside her child. As the proceedings unfolded, the evidence presented solidified the court’s decision that both Muskan and Sahil were jointly responsible for the crime they committed. The emotional backdrop of the case further complicates the legal assessment as the convicts await sentencing.

The upcoming sentencing on October 14 provides an opportunity for the convicts to present arguments for mitigating circumstances that could result in a less severe sentence. However, the emotional turmoil experienced by both individuals continues to be a focal point of concern among jail officials and the broader community.

Community Reactions and Status of the Crime Scene

The emotional reactions from the families involved have been notable. After the verdict, Renu Devi, the mother of the victim, and Rahul, Saurabh Rajput’s brother, expressed their devastation and called for the death penalty for the convicts. They articulated their faith in the judicial process while advocating for the most severe punishment available under law.

Authorities have traced the details surrounding the murder, which reportedly took place in March 2025. Rajput’s body was allegedly dismembered and concealed within a blue drum filled with cement, leading to a prolonged investigation that culminated in the convictions of Muskan and Sahil nearly 19 months later.

The area where the crime occurred, located in Meerut’s Brahmpuri neighbourhood, still attracts attention. The house where the murder took place remains locked, with its owner, Ompal Singh, unable to find a tenant or buyer since the incident. The community has since labelled the property as the “murder house”. Furthermore, Muskan’s family is attempting to sell their two-storey house, situated approximately 200 metres from the crime scene, valued at around Rs 70-75 lakh. However, they have not yet identified a potential buyer.

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