Meerut: A court in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla to death for the murder of Saurabh Rajput, a former Merchant Navy officer. The case, widely known as the “Blue Drum Murder Case” attracted nationwide attention because the victim’s remains were concealed inside a cement filled blue drum.
The court delivered the sentence on Wednesday, following the conviction of both accused on September 30, 2026. The trial involved 126 hearings and testimony from 22 prosecution witnesses.
What Happened to Saurabh Rajput?
- Saurabh Rajput was murdered on March 3, 2025, at his residence in Meerut.
- The prosecution alleged that Muskan Rastogi, Saurabh’s wife, and Sahil Shukla conspired to kill him. Investigators alleged that Saurabh was sedated before being stabbed to death.
- The prosecution further presented the case that his body was dismembered and the remains concealed inside a blue plastic drum filled with cement and other materials to hide the crime.
- The discovery of the remains brought the case to public attention and led to a major police investigation.
How Did the Investigation Progress?
- Investigators collected physical, forensic and technical evidence during the investigation.
- During the trial, the prosecution presented witnesses and evidence relating to the purchase of items allegedly used to conceal the victim’s remains. Call detail records and mobile phone location information were also cited as part of the case.
- The investigation further examined the movements of the accused after the alleged murder. Both were arrested in March 2025.
- The court considered the evidence presented during the proceedings before convicting the two accused.
Court Awards the Death Penalty
- On September 30, 2026, the Meerut court convicted Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla. On October 14, the court sentenced both to death.
- The prosecution sought the maximum punishment, arguing that the circumstances of the crime warranted the death penalty under the “rarest of rare” principle. The defence sought leniency during the sentencing proceedings.
- After considering the arguments, the court imposed the death sentence on both convicts.
What Happens Next?
- The legal process is not yet necessarily complete. Under Indian law, a death sentence imposed by a sessions court must be confirmed by the relevant High Court before it can be carried out.
- The convicts may also pursue available legal remedies, including an appeal against their conviction or sentence.
- The High Court’s consideration and any further proceedings will determine the subsequent legal course of the case.
Conclusion
- The death sentences in the Saurabh Rajput murder case mark a significant development in a crime that drew widespread public attention. The proceedings also demonstrate the importance of forensic evidence, witness testimony and technical records in criminal investigations and trials.
- The case will now proceed through the applicable legal process, including the required High Court review of the death sentences.
Business Galaxy will continue to report verified developments in the case.
Editorial note: The death sentences have not been carried out merely because the trial court announced them. High Court confirmation is legally required. The prosecution’s allegations and investigative claims should be distinguished from facts established by the court.
