Meerut, Mar 21 : Saurabh Rajput was murdered on March 4 in Meerut, allegedly by his wife Muskaan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla. His body was chopped into 15 pieces and buried under wet cement in a plastic drum, police said.
Saurabh’s six-year-old daughter repeatedly told neighbours, “Papa drum mein hai,” his mother Renu Devi said. The claim suggests the child may have witnessed the crime or its aftermath.
Labourers clearing the house for renovation found the body. Unable to lift the drum, they asked Muskaan what was inside. She allegedly responded that it contained junk. A strong stench emerged when the lid was opened, prompting them to call the police.
Muskaan’s mother, Kavita Rastogi, said her daughter confessed to the crime, after which they took her to the police. However, Renu Devi alleged that Muskaan’s parents were aware of the murder beforehand and were trying to mislead investigators.
Saurabh and Muskaan had a love marriage in 2016 but faced family tensions. Saurabh quit his job in the Merchant Navy to spend more time with her, leading to disagreements. They moved to a rented house. In 2019, Saurabh discovered Muskaan’s affair with Sahil. He considered divorce but stayed for their daughter’s future. He moved to London for work in 2023, while Muskaan and Sahil’s relationship deepened.
Muskaan and Sahil were involved in drugs, according to her parents. They claimed Saurabh was killed because he would have stopped their drug use and meetings.
Muskaan’s parents said Saurabh deserved justice. “She should be hanged. She has lost the right to live,” they said. They blamed their daughter for separating Saurabh from his family and ultimately murdering him.
