A murder that shocked Meerut after a man’s remains were found hidden inside a cement-filled blue drum has ended with a death sentence for his wife, Muskaan Rastogi, and her lover, Sahil Shukla.
A district court in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, pronounced the sentence on Wednesday, around two weeks after convicting the pair for the murder of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput. District Judge Arvind Kumar Mishra delivered the verdict after a trial involving 126 hearings and testimony from 22 witnesses.
During the proceedings, the judge observed that crimes of this nature create fear in society. Saurabh’s parents-in-law also told the court that he had been a good person and said they would not oppose the death penalty if the accused were found guilty and sentenced accordingly.
How the Murder Came to Light
The case dates back to March 3, 2025, when Saurabh was killed at his home in Indra Nagar, Meerut, according to the prosecution.
Investigators alleged that Muskaan first made her husband unconscious by mixing a substance into his food. Sahil arrived at the house soon afterwards, and the prosecution said the two then stabbed Saurabh to death.
The accused allegedly cut up his body in the bathroom before placing the remains inside a large blue plastic drum. Sand, water and cement were reportedly used to cover the remains and seal the container, which was left inside the house.
The case took a disturbing turn when relatives became suspicious and visited the residence on March 17, accompanied by local authorities. During the visit, the couple’s six-year-old daughter reportedly told neighbours that her father was inside the drum.
Police opened the sealed container and found Saurabh’s remains.
Messages Sent to Family After the Murder
According to the investigation, Muskaan and Sahil left for Himachal Pradesh the day after the alleged killing.
Investigators said messages were sent from Saurabh’s mobile phone to his family to make it appear that he was alive and travelling for work. Police examined phone records and mobile tower data to trace the movements of the accused.
Their movements reportedly led investigators to hotel stays in Shimla and Manali. The pair were arrested on March 19, 2025, according to the case details.
Evidence That Led to the Conviction
The prosecution built its case using physical evidence, witness accounts and phone records.
Shopkeepers reportedly told investigators that the accused had purchased items including a blue drum, cement, sand, cleavers and razors before the crime. These purchases became part of the evidence presented during the trial.
Call records and mobile tower locations were also used to examine the accused’s movements and establish links to the house around the time of the murder. Investigators additionally traced their reported journey to Himachal Pradesh.
Post-mortem findings showed that Saurabh had died from stab wounds, according to the supplied case details.
The court heard the matter over 126 hearings, with 22 witnesses giving statements before the accused were convicted and sentenced.
Family’s Statement in Court
During the sentencing proceedings, Muskaan’s parents described Saurabh as a good person and said they would not oppose the death penalty for those found guilty of his murder.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the manner in which the body was concealed, but also because of the evidence used to trace the accused and reconstruct their movements after the crime.
With the court now pronouncing the death sentence, the proceedings mark a major development in the case that began with Saurabh Rajput’s murder in March 2025.
