In a shocking and gruesome murder case, Saurabh Rajput, a 35-year-old former Merchant Navy officer, was brutally killed by his wife Muskaan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla in Meerut, India. The horrifying details of the murder emerged as police uncovered that Saurabh's body was dismembered into 15 pieces, which were sealed in a drum filled with cement in a shocking attempt to dispose of the evidence.
The revelations brought to light the chilling events that transpired on March 4, 2025, when Saurabh, who had returned from London to celebrate his daughter's sixth birthday, was drugged and incapacitated before being stabbed to death. According to authorities, Muskaan poisoned Saurabh’s food with sleeping pills, rendering him unconscious, making it easier for her and Sahil to carry out their heinous act.
SP City Ayush Vikram Singh reported that both Muskaan and Sahil confessed to the crime during questioning. They meticulously planned the murder, having begun their plotting as early as November 2024. The couple, looking to eliminate Saurabh allegedly because of mounting tensions and Muskaan's desire to continue her drug habits without interference, carried out the grisly act together. It's believed that Muskaan, who had fallen into drug addiction with Sahil, felt her husband would hinder their relationship.
Muskaan and Sahil spent days planning Saurabh's murder and staging their alibi. After the killing, they embarked on a vacation to the Shimla hills to create an air of normalcy and mislead those around them about Saurabh's whereabouts. They used his mobile phone to send messages to his family, convincing them he was still alive, even while hiding his remains in their rented apartment.
Concerned family members, including Saurabh’s brother Rahul, became alarmed when they were unable to contact him. Rahul, persistent in his efforts, visited Saurabh's apartment on March 18, only to be struck by a foul odor emanating from inside. This prompted Rahul to notify the local police, initiating further investigation into Saurabh’s disappearance.
Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered Saurabh’s dismembered remains sealed inside a drum, located in the bathroom of the apartment. The drum was so tightly sealed with cement that police struggled for hours before finally having to resort to using specialized equipment to break it open. Once inside, they found the remains of Saurabh Rajput, fully decomposed.
As investigations proceeded, Muskaan’s complicity in the crime became clearer. Her own parents later revealed she confessed to them on March 17, saying, “Mummy, we killed Saurabh,” a shocking admission that led them to promptly report her to the police. Muskaan’s father, Pramod Rastogi, expressed his disbelief, noting that Saurabh had done everything to please her, stating that she “did not deserve to live” for her actions.
Authorities revealed that Muskaan and Saurabh had a turbulent relationship, having married in 2016 despite family opposition. Saurabh attempted to distance her from her drug habits in the hopes of creating a stable family environment for their daughter. Yet succumbed to pressure and allegedly allowed his wife to engage in drug use and maintain relationships that ultimately led to their tragic situation.
The aftermath of this heinous crime has shocked not only the immediate families but also the wider community in Meerut. The social implications of a love marriage turning fatal highlight how underlying issues such as addiction and betrayal can culminate in unspeakable violence. Both Muskaan and Sahil now face serious charges, including murder and destruction of evidence, awaiting trial in the coming days.
Saurabh’s horrifying murder has sparked discourse about crime, love, and betrayal, serving as a vivid reminder of how quickly relationships can deteriorate into something tragic. The local police's speedy action following the tip-off from family members led to critical findings that may ensure justice for Saurabh, whose family continues to seek answers and support for their six-year-old daughter left behind in the wake of the tragedy.
As the case unfolds in court, experts and community members alike are left wondering what could have been done to prevent such a heartbreaking crime, highlighting the stark realities of interpersonal violence that continues to plague societies worldwide.
