Meerut, September 30 (TNA) A Meerut district court on Wednesday convicted Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla for the murder of Muskan’s husband, former Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput, in the sensational ‘blue drum’ case.
The court found the two accused guilty after a trial that lasted around 13 months and involved 126 hearings. The prosecution examined 22 witnesses and presented technical, physical and circumstantial evidence during the proceedings.
Sentence Not Announced Today
Contrary to initial reports, the court did not pronounce the quantum of sentence on Wednesday. The punishment will be decided separately after hearing arguments from the prosecution and defence. According to reports, the sentence is scheduled to be pronounced on October 14. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for both accused, while the defence has argued for leniency.
Body Hidden in Blue Drum
Saurabh Rajput was allegedly killed in March 2025. Investigators said Muskan and Sahil conspired to murder him and concealed his dismembered body inside a blue industrial drum filled with cement and sand at a house in Meerut.
The case attracted national attention after the body was recovered and the blue drum became a crucial piece of evidence. The court also held the accused responsible for attempting to conceal evidence, including the body and the alleged murder weapon.
Prosecution Seeks Death Penalty
Government counsel Krishna Kumar Chaubey said the prosecution would press for the maximum punishment, including the death penalty, during the sentencing hearing. The court’s Wednesday order establishes the guilt of the two accused; the final punishment will be known only after the sentencing proceedings are completed. Both accused are presumed innocent of any separate offence unless established through due legal process.