In brief
Muskan Rastogi, 26, and Sahil Shukla, 28, have been sentenced to death by a Meerut court for the murder of Saurabh Rajput, whose body was recovered from a blue plastic drum in 2025. The duo, former school classmates, allegedly laced Rajput’s food with sedatives before killing him and fled to Himachal Pradesh. They used Rajput’s phone to feign his presence while he was missing, but the truth emerged when Rastogi’s child asked about the father. The death sentences await confirmation by the high court, and the pair may appeal. The case underlines the severity of marital homicide in India’s judicial system.
Warning: This story contains details that some readers may find distressing.
Muskan Rastogi, 26, and her boyfriend Sahil Shukla, 28, receive death sentences following a verdict by a Meerut court on 30 September 2026 for the murder of Saurabh Rajput.
Rajput’s body was discovered in a large blue plastic container—locally called a drum—leading the case to be dubbed the “blue drum murder.”
Officials said the pair, classmates in school, became close after Rajput's move to London. In 2021, Rajput learned of their affair and wanted a divorce, but concerns over a young daughter and family pressure delayed the process.
On 3 March 2025, while visiting Meerut, Rajput was given food laced with sedatives by Rastogi, leading to his death. The trio fled to Himachal Pradesh and used Rajput’s mobile phone to send texts that made it appear he was living and traveling for business. Weeks later, Rajput’s family reported him missing.
Rastogi returned to Meerut on 17 March 2025 and, after being questioned by police, initially blamed her in‑laws. Unconvinced, her parents took her to the station, where she confessed. The arrest and subsequent trial culminated in the death sentences.
Rastogi’s parents demanded strict action against her, stating she was “a danger to society.” Meanwhile, Rajput’s brother mourned the loss, describing the killing as a brutal act by “cruel people.”
While awaiting high court confirmation, Rastogi and Shukla can appeal the verdict. In prison, Rastogi gave birth to a second child.
