Meerut murder: Autopsy unveils chilling details of Merchant Navy officer’s death

The brutal murder of Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput has sent shockwaves through the region, with forensic revelations shedding light on the gruesome manner in which his wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her lover, Sahil Shukla, allegedly carried out the crime. Authorities disclosed that Rajput was stabbed multiple times in the chest before his body was dismembered and encased in cement-filled drums, preventing decomposition and delaying the crime’s discovery.

How Did Saurabh Rajput Die? Autopsy Reveals a Gruesome Crime Scene

A detailed post-mortem examination confirmed that Rajput was fatally stabbed in the heart with a sharp weapon, likely a long-bladed knife. Medical experts stated that the force of the attack was excessive, with three deep wounds penetrating his heart. According to police officials, these blows were premeditated and inflicted with the intent to kill instantly.

Meerut‘s Superintendent of Police (City), Ayush Vikram Singh, confirmed that the victim’s body was later dismembered to facilitate disposal. His head was severed, both palms were cut off, and his limbs were bent unnaturally before being stuffed into a drum. The drum was subsequently filled with cement and dust, which played a crucial role in preserving the remains and preventing the natural process of decay.

Why Didn’t the Body Rot? The Role of Cement in Preserving the Remains

One of the most shocking aspects of the crime was the condition in which Rajput’s remains were found. Despite being stored for nearly two weeks, the body exhibited minimal decomposition. Forensic experts revealed that the cement acted as a sealant, preventing exposure to air and moisture—two critical factors required for bacterial growth and decomposition.

A member of the post-mortem team explained that once the cement hardened around the body, it essentially locked it in place, restricting the spread of bacteria that would typically cause a foul stench. This lack of odour played a significant role in delaying the discovery of the crime, as neighbours and relatives did not suspect any foul play for days.

To recover the body, authorities had to break open the drum and painstakingly chip away the hardened cement. The process took hours, revealing the full extent of the gruesome crime.

What Led to the Murder? A Timeline of Betrayal and Deception

Investigations have revealed that Rajput was murdered on March 4, though the crime was only discovered nearly two weeks later. His wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her alleged lover, Sahil Shukla, reportedly carried out the act together before embarking on a trip to Himachal Pradesh.

Police sources said that on the day of the murder, Rajput was drugged before being stabbed. The attackers then methodically dismembered his body in an attempt to dispose of the remains without attracting attention. Following the crime, Muskan and Sahil traveled to Kasol, where they booked a hotel room under the guise of a married couple, seemingly unbothered by the heinous act they had just committed.

Rajput’s family reported him missing on March 18, leading authorities to uncover the crime scene and arrest the suspects soon after.

Who Were the Accused? A Troubled Marriage and a Fatal Affair

Muskan Rastogi and Saurabh Rajput had been married since 2016, reportedly against his family’s wishes. Rajput, who worked in London, was said to have been financially stable and frequently traveled for work. However, his marriage to Muskan appears to have been troubled, with suspicions of infidelity surfacing in recent months.

Police believe Muskan’s extramarital relationship with Sahil Shukla played a significant role in the murder. Investigators are examining whether financial motives, alongside personal and emotional conflicts, contributed to the crime.

During interrogation, sources revealed that Sahil allegedly instructed Muskan to stab Rajput three times in the chest to ensure his death. This detail, coupled with the elaborate disposal of the body, suggests the crime was carefully premeditated rather than an act of sudden rage.

Will the Case Be Fast-Tracked? Legal Proceedings and Expected Outcome

Given the brutality of the crime, authorities are pushing for an expedited trial. Meerut’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Vipin Tada, has confirmed that the prosecution will request the case to be heard in a fast-track court. This move is aimed at ensuring swift justice, reducing the possibility of prolonged legal delays.

The case has garnered significant media attention, raising concerns about domestic crimes, premeditated murders, and the psychological profiles of individuals involved in such acts of violence.

Legal experts suggest that if convicted, both Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla could face the death penalty or life imprisonment, given the premeditated nature of the murder and the efforts made to conceal the crime.

A Crime That Shook Meerut and Beyond

The shocking details of Saurabh Rajput’s murder highlight a chilling level of brutality and deception. What began as a case of a missing husband quickly unravelled into a nightmarish revelation of betrayal, violence, and cold-blooded planning.

With forensic evidence strongly supporting the prosecution’s case, the focus now shifts to the judicial process. As the trial progresses, authorities and the public alike will be watching closely to ensure justice is served.