But the verdict could not take away the family’s pain.
After waiting for more than a year, Saurabh Rajput’s family finally got a verdict on Wednesday when a Meerut court found his wife, Muskan Rastogi, and Sahil Shukla guilty of his murder in the “blue drum” case. After the judgement, Saurabh’s mother, Renu, asked the question that has troubled her since his death: “Why did she kill my son?”
What happened after Saurabh was killed?
Meerut District Judge Arvind Kumar Mishra convicted Muskan and Sahil of murdering Saurabh and concealing evidence. Investigators alleged that Saurabh’s phone was used to send messages to his family, giving them the impression that he was alive. The verdict came after a trial lasting around 13 months, with 126 hearings and testimony from 22 witnesses. The crime came to light later in March 2025 when Saurabh’s remains were recovered from the blue drum. Muskan and Sahil were arrested and sent to Meerut jail on March 19.
Muskan and Sahil left for Himachal Pradesh after the murder, according to the prosecution.
Saurabh’s family wants death penalty
The case now moves to sentencing. The prosecution is seeking the maximum punishment, while Saurabh’s family has demanded the death penalty. Reports say the quantum of the sentence is expected to be taken up on October 14.
Government counsel Krishna Kumar Chaubey said the court found both guilty of murder and attempting to conceal evidence, including Saurabh’s body and the murder weapon. He said the family would consider approaching a higher court depending on the sentence.
