Muskan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla have been sentenced to death for murdering Saurabh Rajput, a Merchant Navy officer and Muskan’s husband, in Meerut on March 3, 2025. In delivering the sentence on October 14, the district court invoked the Mahabharata, observing that “punishment is also dharma.” The judgment marks a major development in a case that shocked the country because of the brutality of the murder and the concealment of the victim’s remains.
The Crime That Shocked Meerut
According to the prosecution, Saurabh was killed at his Meerut home by Muskan and Sahil, who allegedly conspired to eliminate him. His body was dismembered, and the remains were concealed inside a blue plastic drum filled with cement and sand.
The disturbing method of concealment and the subsequent discovery of the remains brought national attention to the case. Suspicion reportedly grew among Saurabh’s family members before the crime came to light, triggering an investigation that eventually led to the arrest of the accused.
The case became widely known as the Meerut blue drum murder case, with public attention focused on the alleged premeditation and the extraordinary steps taken to conceal the crime.
Trial, Conviction and the Death Sentence
The trial lasted approximately 13 months and involved 126 hearings and testimony from 22 witnesses. On September 30, District and Sessions Judge Arvind Kumar Mishra convicted Muskan and Sahil of murder and concealment of evidence, finding that the prosecution had established a complete chain of circumstances despite relying substantially on circumstantial evidence.
The court subsequently awarded both convicts the death penalty. Reports also stated that fines of ₹50,000 under Section 302 for murder and ₹20,000 under Section 238A for concealing evidence were imposed.
The punishment reflects the court’s assessment of the crime’s brutality and circumstances. However, the death sentence remains subject to judicial confirmation and the applicable appellate process.
Mahabharata Reference and Family’s Reaction
The judge’s observation that “punishment is also dharma” became a defining feature of the verdict. Invoking the Mahabharata, the court framed punishment as part of the state’s responsibility to uphold justice and respond to grave wrongdoing.
Reacting to the judgment, Renu urged couples facing marital difficulties to choose separation rather than violence. Her appeal—emphasising that disagreements should never lead to the loss of a life—highlighted the enduring grief experienced by families affected by violent crime.
Jail Anxiety and the Road Ahead
According to jail authorities, Muskan and Sahil appeared anxious before sentencing, reportedly sleeping poorly and eating little. Officials also described Muskan as increasingly withdrawn following her conviction.
These observations offer a glimpse into the immediate aftermath of the judgment, but the legal process is not yet complete. The Allahabad High Court must confirm the death sentences before they can be carried out. The convicts may also pursue further appeals and other available legal remedies.
Justice Must Follow Due Process
The verdict delivers a forceful judicial response to an exceptionally disturbing murder. Yet, its final legal significance will depend on the scrutiny that follows under India’s criminal justice system.
The case serves as a stark reminder that marital conflict can never justify violence. Justice must hold offenders accountable while ensuring that every legal safeguard is respected and the final outcome rests on due process.
(With agency inputs)
