The Uttar Pradesh Police have announced their intention to pursue a fast-track trial for the murder of Saurabh Rajput, whose dismembered body was discovered in a gruesome state.
The police aim to expedite the legal process to ensure that the accused — Rajput's wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her lover, Sahil Shukla — receive swift justice.
The autopsy report revealed the brutal nature of the crime. Rajput's head was severed from his body, his hands were cut off at the wrists, and his legs were bent backward, suggesting an attempt to fit the body inside a drum. The cause of death was identified as shock and excessive bleeding.
Following the murder on 4th March, Muskan and Sahil travelled to Kasol in Himachal Pradesh, posing as a married couple. They checked into a hotel on 10th March, accompanied by their driver, and remained there until 16th March.
The hotel staff noted the duo's unusual behaviour — they rarely left their room, interacted minimally with the staff, and refused room cleaning services. During check-out, they claimed to have travelled from Manali and were set to return to Uttar Pradesh.
Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada confirmed that the police are prioritising the prompt filing of a charge sheet. He added that efforts are underway to seek police custody of the accused once their 14-day judicial custody ends.
The shocking details of the murder have drawn nationwide attention. Doctors who conducted the post-mortem reported that Rajput was stabbed in the heart three times with considerable force, indicating a determined and violent attack.
The medical team noted that his neck was severed, and his hands were cut off to fit his body into the drum, which was later filled with cement and dust. The airtight setting prevented rapid decomposition, resulting in a less pungent odour.
To recover the body, the authorities had to cut open the drum and carefully break through the hardened cement. The discovery was made on 18th March, following which Muskan and Sahil were arrested.
It was revealed that during their escape to Himachal Pradesh, the accused misled Rajput's family by sending them messages from his phone, creating the illusion that he was still alive.
The investigation, now under the supervision of an inspector and monitored by an assistant superintendent of police, is gathering crucial evidence.
Statements from vendors who sold the knife, drum, and cement used in the crime are being recorded. The police are also analysing the suspects' activities after the murder.
Social media platforms have circulated videos showing Muskan and Sahil dancing at a Holi party, seemingly carefree.
Police sources disclosed that Muskan's online chats and audio messages exchanged with the driver during their journey to Himachal Pradesh have also emerged online. In one audio message, she is heard asking the driver to bring a cake.
Muskan and Saurabh Rajput had married in 2016 despite his family's disapproval. They had a six-year-old daughter. Muskan and Sahil had known each other since their school days and reconnected through a WhatsApp group in 2019.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Meerut Zone) Kalanidhi Naithani has instructed the force to conduct a thorough investigation, file a charge sheet promptly, and ensure robust prosecution to secure a stringent punishment for the accused.
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