Meerut, October 15, 2026: A Meerut court has sentenced Muskaan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla to death for the murder of Saurabh Rajput, a former Merchant Navy officer, in the widely reported blue drum murder case. Following the verdict, both convicts reportedly broke down and cried uncontrollably in jail, with reports indicating that they had stopped eating after learning their fate.
District and Sessions Judge Arvind Kumar Mishra pronounced the sentence on October 14, nearly two weeks after convicting the duo on September 30. The trial involved 126 hearings over approximately 13 months and testimony from 22 prosecution witnesses.
Court Awards Death Penalty to Both Convicts
The prosecution sought the maximum punishment, arguing that the nature of the murder and the subsequent concealment of the victim’s remains warranted severe action. The court awarded the death penalty to both accused for their roles in the murder.
The court also imposed fines of ₹50,000 each under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and ₹20,000 each under Section 238A, relating to the disappearance of evidence, as reported by legal representatives.
During the sentencing proceedings, the judge reportedly referred to the Mahabharata while discussing the principle that punishing the guilty is also a form of dharma. The observation underscored the court’s reasoning regarding punishment for serious offences.
Convicts Reportedly Distressed After Verdict
Following the announcement of the sentence, Muskaan and Sahil reportedly became inconsolable. Jail authorities were said to have increased monitoring and kept the two in separate cells.
Reports also indicated that both had displayed signs of anxiety around the time of the verdict. The death sentence marks a major development in the case, although the legal process is not yet complete.
Under Indian law, a death sentence awarded by a sessions court must be confirmed by the High Court before it can be carried out. The convicts can also challenge the verdict through the prescribed appellate process.
How the Blue Drum Murder Came to Light
The case dates back to March 3, 2025, when Saurabh Rajput was allegedly murdered at his residence in Meerut. According to the prosecution, Muskaan, his wife, and Sahil, with whom she was allegedly in a relationship, conspired to kill him.
Investigators alleged that Rajput’s body was dismembered and concealed inside a blue plastic drum filled with cement to hide the crime. His remains were discovered later that month, triggering an investigation that drew widespread national attention.
The police investigation led to the arrest of Muskaan and Sahil. During the trial, the prosecution presented witness testimony and evidence to establish the circumstances of the murder and the alleged attempt to conceal it.
Victim’s Family Had Sought Strict Punishment
Rajput’s family had sought the maximum punishment for the accused. His mother welcomed the court’s decision and appealed to people facing relationship difficulties to choose separation rather than violence.
The verdict brings the trial court proceedings to a significant stage in a case that attracted nationwide attention because of the manner in which the victim’s remains were concealed. The next stage will depend on the legal remedies available to the convicts and the High Court’s consideration of the death sentence.
