Sahil-Muskan Meerut murder case Some Uncovered Facts

he Sahil-Muskan Meerut murder case has unveiled several chilling and previously undisclosed details:​

1. Child’s Innocent Revelation: The couple’s six-year-old daughter innocently told neighbors, “Papa drum mein hai” (“Papa is in the drum”), referring to her father’s concealed remains. ​www.ndtv.com+1The Times of India+1
2. Post-Murder Celebrations: Just days after the murder, Muskan and Sahil celebrated Holi together, appearing carefree in videos where they danced and laughed, their faces smeared with festive colors. ​DNA India
3. Parental Condemnation: Muskan’s own parents have expressed deep outrage over her actions, with her father demanding capital punishment for his daughter, stating that Saurabh deserves justice. ​www.ndtv.com+1ABP Live+1
4. Drug Use: Reports suggest that Muskan had developed an addiction to ‘ganja’ (cannabis), which may have influenced her actions and decision-making. ​English.Mathrubhumi
5. The Meerut murder case involving Muskan Rastogi and her lover, Sahil Shukla, has seen several developments since their arrest for the murder of Muskan’s husband, Saurabh Rajput. Recent reports suggested that Muskan underwent a pregnancy test while in jail, which allegedly returned positive results. However, the superintendent of Meerut Jail has refuted these claims, labeling them as mere rumors.

These revelations have intensified the horror surrounding the case, highlighting the depth of betrayal and the psychological complexities involved.

In March 2025, a chilling murder case unfolded in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, involving the brutal killing of 29-year-old former Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput. The crime was allegedly orchestrated by his wife, Muskaan Rastogi, and her lover, Sahil Shukla.​The New Indian Express+12Wikipedia+12English.Mathrubhumi+12

Background Sahil-Muskan Meerut murder case

Saurabh and Muskaan married in 2016 and had a daughter in 2019. Over time, Muskaan rekindled a relationship with her childhood acquaintance, Sahil, leading to an extramarital affair. Financial strains and personal issues further deteriorated the couple’s relationship. ​Wikipedia

The Crime

On March 4, 2025, Muskaan and Sahil allegedly executed a premeditated plan to murder Saurabh. They reportedly drugged him, and when he became unconscious, Sahil instructed Muskaan to stab him in the heart three times, demonstrating how to use the knife. When Muskaan hesitated, Sahil guided her hand to ensure the act was completed. They then dismembered his body into approximately 15 pieces, placed the remains in a plastic drum, and sealed it with cement. ​Firstpost+11www.ndtv.com+11Wikipedia+11Hindustan TimesEnglish.Mathrubhumi+6Wikipedia+6Firstpost+6

Aftermath

Following the murder, Muskaan and Sahil attempted to maintain a facade of normalcy. They traveled to Manali and celebrated Holi together, even posting pictures on Saurabh’s social media accounts to mislead others about his whereabouts. The crime came to light when neighbors noticed a foul smell emanating from the couple’s residence. Upon investigation, authorities discovered the cement-filled drum containing Saurabh’s dismembered body. Muskaan and Sahil were subsequently arrested and confessed to the crime during interrogation. ​The Times of India+2Firstpost+2www.ndtv.com+2Wikipedia+1www.ndtv.com+1ThePrint

This case has garnered significant attention due to its gruesome nature and the involvement of close family members in the crime.​The Times of India+5www.ndtv.com+5The New Indian Express+5

Which sections are applicable on this case ?

The Sahil-Muskan Meerut murder case involves multiple criminal offenses under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The following sections are likely to be applicable:

1. Murder (IPC Section 302)

• Since Saurabh Rajput was brutally killed in a premeditated manner, Section 302 (Punishment for Murder) is applicable.
• Punishment: Death penalty or life imprisonment with a fine.

2. Criminal Conspiracy (IPC Section 120B)

• Muskan and Sahil planned the murder together, making them liable under Section 120B (Punishment for Criminal Conspiracy).
• Punishment: If the offense conspired is punishable with death/life imprisonment, the conspirators get the same punishment.

3. Causing Disappearance of Evidence (IPC Section 201)

• They chopped the body into pieces, sealed it in cement, and tried to destroy evidence.
• Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment and a fine.

4. Common Intention (IPC Section 34)

• Both acted together with a shared intent to kill Saurabh.
• Punishment: Equivalent to the main offense committed.

5. Kidnapping and Wrongful Confinement (IPC Section 364 & 342)

• If Saurabh was held against his will before being murdered, Section 364 (Kidnapping for Murder) and Section 342 (Wrongful Confinement) can be added.
• Punishment: 364 – Life imprisonment or 10 years + fine. 342 – 1 year + fine.

6. Destruction of Evidence (IPC Section 204 & 411)

• If they tampered with evidence (e.g., erasing messages, disposing of bloodstains), these sections apply.
• Punishment: 2 to 7 years imprisonment.

7. Adultery (IPC Section 497) [Not Applicable]

• Adultery was decriminalized in 2018. However, it may still be considered a motive.

8. IPC Section 302 Read with 109 (Abetment of Murder)

• If Muskan or Sahil instigated or assisted the murder, they can be charged under Section 109.

Since it was a brutal, well-planned murder, the death penalty or life imprisonment is the most likely outcome.

Legal Consequences of Intentional Murder in India

In India, intentional murder is considered one of the most serious crimes under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and is punishable under Section 302 (Punishment for Murder). If a person deliberately takes another person’s life with criminal intent, they can face either the death penalty or life imprisonment, along with a fine. The punishment depends on the severity, motive, and circumstances of the crime. Courts consider factors like premeditation, brutality, and lack of remorse when deciding the sentence. In aggravated cases—such as cold-blooded killings, contract killings, or murders involving extreme cruelty—the court may award capital punishment (death sentence), while in other cases, life imprisonment (which means imprisonment until death unless pardoned) is given.

Additionally, those who assist, plan, or conspire to commit murder can be charged under Section 120B (Criminal Conspiracy) and Section 109 (Abetment of Murder), facing the same punishment as the actual murderer. If someone tries but fails to commit murder, Section 307 (Attempt to Murder) applies, carrying a punishment of up to life imprisonment. India’s legal system ensures that murder cases are thoroughly investigated, and the guilty are severely punished to uphold justice and deter crime.

If Muskan’s parents were also involved in this murder, they would be charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) based on their level of involvement.

Here’s what applies to them in simple terms:

1. Murder (IPC Section 302) – If They Actively Participated

If they directly helped in killing Saurabh, they would face the same murder charges as Muskan and Sahil. This means life imprisonment or the death penalty.

2. Criminal Conspiracy (IPC Section 120B) – If They Planned the Murder

If they knew about the plan, helped in plotting it, or encouraged Muskan and Sahil, they can be punished with life imprisonment or the same punishment as the killers.

3. Abetment of Murder (IPC Section 109) – If They Helped or Encouraged the Crime

If they didn’t directly kill Saurabh but motivated or assisted in any way—like providing money, tools, or advice—they are guilty of abetment of murder, which has the same punishment as the murder itself.

4. Hiding Evidence (IPC Section 201) – If They Helped Cover Up the Crime

If they helped dispose of the body, clean bloodstains, or mislead the police, they can be jailed for up to 7 years plus a fine.

5. Wrongful Confinement (IPC Section 342) – If They Helped Keep Saurabh Captive

If they locked Saurabh in a room or prevented him from escaping before the murder, they can be jailed for up to 1 year.

6. Destruction of Evidence (IPC Section 204) – If They Destroyed Any Proof

If they deleted messages, disposed of Saurabh’s belongings, or tampered with any evidence, they could face up to 2 years in prison.

What This Means for Them?

If they were fully involved in planning or carrying out the murder, they could face life in prison or the death penalty. If they only helped after the murder (like hiding evidence), they could face several years in jail but not the death penalty.

Similar case to Sahil-Muskan Meerut murder case

A similar murder case to the Sahil-Muskan Meerut murder case is the Shraddha Walkar Murder Case (2022), which also involved a love affair, betrayal, and a gruesome body disposal method.

Shraddha Walkar Murder Case (2022, Delhi)

What Happened?

• Accused: Aftab Poonawala
• Victim: Shraddha Walkar
• Crime Scene: Chhatarpur, Delhi
• Motive: Relationship conflicts, control issues, and abuse

Shraddha Walkar (27) was in a live-in relationship with Aftab Poonawala (28). They moved to Delhi after facing opposition from Shraddha’s family regarding their relationship.

One evening, during a heated argument, Aftab strangled Shraddha to death in their rented apartment. To avoid getting caught, he chopped her body into 35 pieces using a saw and knife.

How He Disposed of the Body

• He stored the body parts in a refrigerator for several weeks.
• Every night, he disposed of small parts in different areas of Delhi’s Mehrauli forest to avoid suspicion.
• He continued using Shraddha’s phone to message her friends and family, making it look like she was still alive.
• The crime was exposed six months later when Shraddha’s father filed a missing person report.

Similarities to Sahil-Muskan Meerut Case

1. Love, Betrayal, and Murder: Both cases involved romantic partners turning into killers due to relationship conflicts.
2. Premeditated Murder: The crimes were well-planned, and the victims were disposed of in horrific ways.
3. Body Dismemberment: Just like Sahil-Muskan cut Saurabh’s body into pieces and put it in cement, Aftab chopped Shraddha’s body into 35 pieces and disposed of them in a forest.
4. Use of Technology to Mislead: Both cases involved using the victim’s phone after the murder to make it seem like they were still alive.

Outcome of the Case

Aftab Poonawala was arrested and charged under Section 302 (Murder) and 201 (Destruction of Evidence) of the IPC. His trial is ongoing, and he is likely to receive life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Conclusion

Both the Sahil-Muskan Meerut murder case and the Shraddha Walkar murder case show how toxic relationships, infidelity, and lack of emotional control can lead to brutal crimes. These cases shook the nation because of the gruesome methods used to dispose of the bodies and the cold-blooded attitude of the killers.