The Chilling Murder of Saurabh Rajput: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Deception

In the heart of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, a chilling tale of love, betrayal, and murder unfolded in March 2025. Saurabh Rajput, a 30-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) working in a London bakery, returned home to celebrate his wife's birthday, unaware that this visit would be his last. His wife, Muskaan Rastogi, and her lover, Sahil Shukla, orchestrated a meticulously planned murder that sent shockwaves through the community.


The Prelude to Tragedy

Saurabh and Muskaan's love story began in 2016 when they defied familial opposition to marry. Choosing love over family approval, Saurabh distanced himself from his relatives and started a new life with Muskaan in Meerut. Their union bore a daughter, now six years old. However, as Saurabh pursued his career abroad, Muskaan rekindled a past relationship with Sahil Shukla, a former classmate. Their renewed connection soon evolved into a clandestine affair.

The Sinister Plot

Upon Saurabh's return on February 24, 2025, Muskaan and Sahil set their deadly plan into motion. On March 4, Muskaan laced Saurabh's meal with sedatives, rendering him unconscious. Seizing the moment, Sahil entered their home, and together, they fatally stabbed Saurabh. In a gruesome attempt to conceal the crime, they dismembered his body into 15 pieces, placed them in a plastic drum, and filled it with cement to mask any odor. To divert suspicion, Muskaan informed neighbors and family members that she and Saurabh were traveling, even using Saurabh's mobile phone to send deceptive messages. The couple then fled to Himachal Pradesh, believing their crime was well-hidden.

Merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, wife Muskaan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla

The Unraveling

The facade began to crumble when Muskaan's parents grew suspicious of Saurabh's sudden disappearance and Muskaan's inconsistent narratives. Their concerns intensified when Muskaan returned alone from the supposed trip. Under pressure, Muskaan confessed to her parents, who immediately alerted the authorities. On March 19, 2025, police arrested Muskaan and Sahil. The subsequent investigation revealed the horrifying details of the crime, shocking the community and igniting widespread media coverage.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentences

The duo faces charges under the Indian Penal Code's Section 302 (murder) and Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence). Given the premeditated nature and brutality of the crime, legal experts suggest that the case could be classified under the "rarest of rare" doctrine, potentially leading to capital punishment. Alternatively, they could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.


Community Reaction and Reflections

The heinous act has left the Meerut community in shock and mourning. Vigils have been held in Saurabh's memory, and discussions about the underlying issues leading to such crimes have emerged. The case has also sparked conversations about the impact of extramarital affairs, the importance of mental health awareness, and the need for stronger community bonds to prevent such tragedies.

Conclusion

The Saurabh-Muskann murder case serves as a grim reminder of how love and betrayal can intertwine to produce devastating outcomes. As the legal process unfolds, the community grapples with the loss and the profound questions it raises about human relationships, morality, and justice.

Reference 

2. "Merchant navy officer killed by wife and her lover; body dismembered, sealed in cement-filled drum - CNBC TV18"





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