Nearly two months after the brutal murder of Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput, the Meerut police have filed a detailed 2000-page chargesheet on Monday, unravelling the gruesome conspiracy behind the crime.
The document, submitted in Court No. 4 before Additional Judge Anuj Kumar Thakur by investigating officer Ramakant Pachauri, outlines the involvement of Saurabh’s wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her lover, Sahil Shukla, in orchestrating and executing the murder.
Love Affair Turned Deadly
According to the police investigation, the motive behind Saurabh’s murder was rooted in an illicit relationship between Muskan and Sahil. The chargesheet dismisses earlier theories of occult practices or “tantra-mantra” being involved, clarifying that the murder was premeditated and executed with chilling precision.
Murder Plan & Execution
On March 18, 2023, Saurabh Rajput, who was posted in London, was murdered in his Meerut home. The plan was initiated by Muskan, who first drugged Saurabh by mixing sedatives into his food. Once unconscious, she stabbed him in the chest, and then Sahil joined in to behead and dismember the body.
Their initial plan was to conceal the body in a suitcase. However, they later changed course and decided to use a blue plastic drum, filling it with cement to dispose of the remains. The suitcase, later found with a bone fragment, was a key piece of evidence that helped crack the case.
Attempt To Cover Up
In an effort to mislead family and authorities, Muskan went on a staged vacation to Shimla-Manali with Sahil. She posted travel pictures and videos on Instagram for 13 days, creating the illusion of a normal getaway and masking their crime.
Break In The Case
The murder came to light when Rahul Rajput, Saurabh’s younger brother, visited the house on the day of the crime. Suspicious of Muskan’s evasive answers and noticing a foul odor in the house, he alerted the neighbors and called the police.
A thorough investigation soon revealed the murder and led to the arrest of both Muskan and Sahil.
Evidence & Witness Statements
The chargesheet is supported by the statements of 30 witnesses, including:
- Muskan’s and Saurabh’s family members
- Four laborers who unknowingly helped cut the drum
- Phone records, Snapchat messages, and call details between Muskan and Sahil
These digital footprints, along with physical evidence, form the backbone of the police case.
What’s Next
With the submission of the comprehensive chargesheet, the case will now proceed to trial. The police have urged for stringent punishment, citing the premeditated nature and brutality of the crime.
This shocking case has gripped the nation, not just for its brutality but for the betrayal it reveals within the confines of a marriage.
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