In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, a Merchant Navy officer was allegedly murdered by his wife and her lover, with his dismembered body concealed inside a plastic drum filled with cement. The victim, Saurabh Rajput, had recently returned from London, where he was stationed, to reunite with his family. This gruesome crime has not only highlighted the depths of human betrayal but also the meticulous lengths to which the perpetrators went to cover their tracks.
Background of the Victim and Relationship Dynamics
Saurabh Rajput, an officer in the Merchant Navy, married Muskan Rastogi in 2016 following a love marriage. The couple had a five-year-old daughter and had been residing in a rented house in Meerut’s Indiranagar area for the past three years. Due to the nature of his job, Saurabh spent extended periods away from home, which reportedly led to strains in their relationship. During his absences, Muskan allegedly grew close to their neighbor, Sahil, culminating in an extramarital affair that would later have deadly consequences.
The Heinous Crime Unfolded
According to reports, Saurabh returned to Meerut on March 4, 2025. That night, Muskan and Sahil allegedly executed their premeditated plan. As Saurabh slept, Sahil attacked him with a knife, while Muskan did nothing to intervene. After ensuring Saurabh was dead, they dismembered his body, placed the parts into a large plastic drum, and filled it with a cement mixture to mask any odor and prevent detection.
To avoid suspicion, Muskan informed neighbors that she and Saurabh were going on a trip to Himachal Pradesh, even locking their house to lend credibility to their story. In reality, Muskan and Sahil traveled to Manali, where they spent several days together, attempting to portray a facade of normalcy.
Discovery of the Crime
The crime began to unravel when Muskan approached her mother for financial assistance. Suspicious of her daughter’s behavior and the sudden disappearance of her son-in-law, Muskan’s mother pressed for answers. Overwhelmed, Muskan confessed to the murder. Her mother immediately informed the police, leading to the arrest of both Muskan and Sahil.
Upon interrogation, the duo admitted to the crime. Police officers, accompanied by the accused, searched the locked residence and discovered the cement-filled drum. Extracting the body was a challenging task due to the solidified cement. The drum had to be transported to the mortuary, where it was cut open to retrieve the remains.
Community Reaction and Legal Proceedings
The brutal nature of the crime has left the local community in shock. Neighbors expressed disbelief, stating that while they were aware of some marital issues, they never anticipated such an outcome. The couple’s five-year-old daughter is now left without both parents, adding to the tragedy.
Law enforcement officials have charged Muskan and Sahil with murder and conspiracy. Meerut’s Superintendent of Police (City), Ayush Vikram Singh, confirmed the arrests and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ensure justice is served.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a grim reminder of how personal relationships can sometimes lead to unimaginable acts of violence. It underscores the importance of addressing marital discord and seeking counseling or mediation rather than resorting to heinous crimes. As the legal process unfolds, the community hopes for swift justice for Saurabh Rajput and his bereaved family.
