The Meerut murder case has left the nation shocked due to its gruesome details and the calculated nature of the crime. At the center of this horrific incident is Muskan Rastogi, her alleged lover Sahil Shukla, and the victim, Saurabh Rajput, a former merchant navy officer. What seemed like an ordinary marital relationship took a dark turn when betrayal, extramarital affairs, and substance abuse culminated in a carefully planned murder that stunned the people of Meerut and beyond.

The Key Individuals in the Case

Saurabh Rajput (Victim)

Saurabh Rajput was a well-established former merchant navy officer, known for his disciplined and financially secure life. He married Muskan Rastogi in 2016 after a courtship that began in 2015. However, it later emerged that their relationship was strained, with Saurabh’s family and close acquaintances suspecting that Muskan’s affection was largely based on financial interests rather than genuine love.

Muskan Rastogi (Prime Accused)

Muskan Rastogi, the wife of the deceased, had been living with him in Meerut. Neighbors and close family friends described her as a woman who changed significantly after marriage. Over time, her behavior allegedly became erratic, and suspicions about an extramarital affair with Sahil Shukla started surfacing.

Sahil Shukla (Co-Accused & Lover)

Sahil Shukla, an aspiring fitness trainer, entered Muskan’s life and is believed to have played a pivotal role in this horrifying crime. Neighbors reported seeing Sahil visiting Muskan’s home frequently, sometimes scaling walls to enter the house, which raised concerns about their illicit affair.

The Pre-Murder Conspiracy

On the night of March 3, 2025, Muskan and Sahil allegedly executed their horrifying plan. Investigations revealed the following chilling sequence of events:

Drugging the Victim:
Muskan reportedly altered Saurabh’s prescription medication, ensuring that he was sedated.
She administered additional drugs or sleeping pills to weaken him before the attack.

The Murder:
Once Saurabh was unconscious, Sahil and Muskan stabbed him multiple times, with the post-mortem confirming that his heart was pierced thrice.
After ensuring he was dead, they proceeded to dismember his body into pieces using sharp weapons.

Concealing the Body:
To avoid suspicion, they stuffed his dismembered remains into a blue plastic drum and filled it with cement to conceal the odor and prevent discovery.
The drum was placed inside the house, where Muskan continued to live as if nothing had happened.

Post-Crime Behavior: A Chilling Lack of Remorse

Rather than showing signs of regret or fear, the accused displayed a disturbing level of detachment from their crime.

• Just days after the murder, Muskan and Sahil went on a trip to Himachal Pradesh.
• They visited Shimla and Kasol, enjoying their time as though nothing had happened.
• CCTV footage later showed them celebrating Sahil’s birthday and playing Holi, further solidifying their lack of remorse.

This behavior deeply disturbed the community, who found it difficult to comprehend how someone could carry on life so normally after committing such an atrocity.

The Investigation and Arrest

The crime was discovered when Saurabh’s family started searching for him, growing increasingly suspicious about his sudden disappearance.

Family's Concern:
His mother and relatives attempted to contact him multiple times, but their calls went unanswered.
Muskan gave vague and misleading responses, which raised further suspicion.

Discovery of the Body:
Concerned neighbors and family members alerted the police, who conducted a search at Saurabh’s residence.
Upon entering the house, authorities found the blue plastic drum filled with cement.
Upon breaking open the cement, they discovered Saurabh’s dismembered body, which had been hidden for over a week.

Manhunt and Arrest:
Once the body was found, the police launched a nationwide manhunt for Muskan and Sahil.
They were arrested upon their return to Meerut.

Substance Abuse and Withdrawal Symptoms in Custody

One of the most shocking revelations of the case was the heavy drug addiction of both Muskan and Sahil.

• While in police custody, both exhibited severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Jail authorities reported that the duo refused to eat regular meals and repeatedly demanded drugs like morphine and marijuana.
• Their intense dependence on narcotics is suspected to have contributed to their violent and erratic behavior, making them more susceptible to engaging in such a gruesome act.

The Victim’s Family’s Plea for Justice

Saurabh Rajput’s family, especially his mother, has been vocal in demanding justice.

• She has appealed to the authorities to ensure the strictest punishment for both accused.
• She is also concerned about her granddaughter, who was present in the house at the time of the crime.
• The case has been transferred to a fast-track court, ensuring swift legal proceedings.

Public Reaction and Social Impact

The Meerut murder case has sent shockwaves across the country, sparking discussions on:

• The dangers of substance abuse and its impact on personal relationships.
• The need for mental health awareness in cases of erratic behavior.
• The role of domestic violence in extreme criminal actions.

Many people have expressed outrage and sorrow over how a husband was brutally killed by his own wife and her lover, with some calling for capital punishment for the perpetrators.

Final Thoughts: A Lesson in Betrayal and Crime

The Meerut murder case is not just a story of crime—it’s a cautionary tale of how betrayal, drugs, and greed can lead to unspeakable violence. As the legal battle unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing early warning signs in relationships and the devastating consequences of unchecked addiction and criminal intent.

With the nation watching closely, the hope remains that justice will be served for Saurabh Rajput and that such gruesome incidents can be prevented in the future.