In a horrific crime instance that has sent shockwaves through Meerut city and Uttar Pradesh, a married woman and her lover have been accused of brutally m*rdering the woman’s husband before embarking on a trip to Shimla. The grim details of the case have revealed a chilling tale of deception, betrayal and a ghastly attempt to hide the evidence.
The victim, Saurabh Rajput, a merchant navy officer, had been married to Muskan Rastogi since 2016. Their life took a dark turn when Saurabh Rajput moved to London in 2020 for work, leaving his wife and young daughter behind. In his absence, Muskan Rastogi grew close to their neighbour named Sahil Shukla, a Chartered Accountant, and the two became romantically involved.
Tensions between the couple escalated when Saurabh Rajput discovered his wife’s affair. He had returned to Meerut in late February to celebrate the birthdays of his wife (25 Feb) and daughter (28 Feb) but the situation between the couple had grown increasingly volatile. On the night of March 4, Muskan Rastogi allegedly drugged Saurabh Rajput’s meal, rendering him unconscious. She then called Sahil Shukla over and together they carried out a brutal attack, repeatedly stabbing Saurabh in the chest.
After Saurabh Rajput’s d*ath, the pair disposed of the body in a gruesome manner. They chopped off him into fifteen pieces in the bathroom before sealing the remains in a plastic drum filled with cement to cover up the crime. The next day, Muskan Rastogi left her daughter at her parents’ house and traveled to Shimla with Sahil Shukla, attempting to act as if everything is normal.
Upon her return, Muskan Rastogi’s mother grew suspicious of her son-in-law’s absence and confronted her daughter. Initially evasive, Muskan Rastogi eventually confessed to the crime, prompting her family to report the matter to the police. When questioned, she revealed that Saurabh Rajput’s body was hidden in the blue drum at their residence. However, initial police searches found only cement inside the container. It was only after further interrogation of both Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla that officers uncovered the horrifying truth. The drum was taken to a hospital, where it was broke open, revealing Saurabh Rajput’s cut off remains.
Following their confessions, both the accused have been arrested and are now under intensive questioning. Meanwhile, Saurabh Rajput’s brother Rahul had already raised alarms about his disappearance, having filed a missing person’s complaint on March 7. His persistent inquiries and growing suspicions ultimately played a key role in exposing the crime.
In a tragic turn, Muskan Rastogi’s own parents have disowned her and demanded the harshest possible punishment. Overcome with grief, they expressed their anguish at her actions, stating that their son-in-law had sacrificed everything for their daughter, only to meet such a cruel fate. They have called for capital punishment for their daughter, asserting that she has lost the right to live.
As the case continues to unfold, authorities are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring justice for Saurabh Rajput, a man whose life was mercilessly cut short by those he trusted the most, and also for 5 years old Pihu who lost her father because of her mother’s betrayal.
