A Meerut court has sentenced Muskan Rastogi and her partner Sahil Shukla to death for their involvement in the murder of Muskan’s husband, Saurabh Rajput. The district and sessions judge, Arvind Kumar Mishra, delivered the verdict on Wednesday, emphasising the need for punishment commensurate with the severity of the crime.

The court’s decision was based on principles derived from the ‘Mahabharata’, as explained by prosecution lawyer KK Chaubey. The court found Muskan and Sahil guilty of not only murdering Saurabh Rajput, a former Merchant Navy officer, but also of destroying evidence related to the crime.

In addition to the death penalty, the court imposed fines of Rs 50,000 each under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for murder and Rs 20,000 each under Section 238(A) for causing the disappearance of evidence. Both defendants participated in the proceedings via video conferencing, reflecting the ongoing adaptations in the judicial process due to contemporary circumstances. The case has drawn significant attention due to its gruesome nature and the circumstances surrounding the murder.

Details of the Crime

The incident that led to the trial occurred in March 2025, when Saurabh Rajput, aged 35, was reportedly killed by Muskan and Sahil. Police investigations revealed that the body was dismembered and concealed in a blue plastic drum filled with cement. The discovery of the remains was prompted by a foul odour emanating from the drum, which led authorities to investigate further.

According to police reports, Saurabh had returned to Meerut from London in late February 2025. He was allegedly killed on March 4, 2025, after being drugged and subsequently stabbed by Muskan and Sahil. Their arrest followed a trip to Himachal Pradesh, where they were apprehended after the crime came to light.

The trial featured extensive proceedings, including the examination of 22 prosecution witnesses and over 100 hearings. The evidence presented during the trial played a crucial role in establishing the guilt of the accused, leading to the court’s decision.

Reaction from Victim’s Family

Renu Devi, the mother of the deceased Saurabh Rajput, was present in court when the verdict was announced. She expressed her grief and relief, stating that while her son could not be brought back, she had prayed daily for the past 18 months for a death sentence for the convicted individuals. Renu Devi expressed gratitude for what she perceived as a just outcome and hoped that the severity of the sentence would act as a deterrent against similar crimes in the future.

She remarked, “I am thankful to Mata Rani for hearing my prayers. I am sure this kind of sentence will serve as a deterrence and will save many mothers from the trauma I have experienced.” Her comments reflect the emotional toll that the incident has taken on the family and the broader implications of the court’s ruling.

The case has sparked discussions on issues related to crime, justice, and the role of the legal system in addressing heinous acts. The invocation of the Mahabharata in the judgment has also drawn attention to the cultural aspects of justice in Indian society.

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