Meerut woman’s deadly secret: Murdered husband, then partied in Kasol

In a chilling sequence of events, a woman from Meerut, Muskan Rastogi, and her lover, Sahil Shukla, allegedly murdered her husband, Saurabh Rajput, in an act of premeditated brutality. However, what has shocked many is what happened next. Instead of laying low or fleeing discreetly, the couple allegedly embarked on a getaway to Himachal Pradesh, where they stayed in Kasol and Manali, celebrating Holi and even marking a birthday.

According to police reports, Muskan and Sahil murdered Saurabh on the night of March 4. Investigators believe Muskan first drugged her husband before Sahil arrived to help execute the crime. Saurabh was stabbed multiple times with a butcher’s knife before his throat was slit. In a gruesome attempt to conceal the evidence, they dismembered his body, sealed the remains inside a drum, and covered it with cement. Just days after the murder, the couple checked into a hotel in Kasol, where they stayed for nearly a week, seemingly unbothered by their horrific act.

How Did the Couple Spend Their Time in Kasol and Manali?

On March 10, six days after Saurabh’s murder, Muskan and Sahil checked into Hotel Purnima in Kasol. A hotel staff member recalled that Sahil submitted his identification for the booking but initially refused to hand over Muskan’s, claiming she was his wife. After some insistence, he relented. Their stay was notably peculiar, with staff describing their behaviour as “odd.” Unlike most tourists who explore the scenic surroundings of Kasol, the duo barely left their room.

Throughout their six-day stay, they only stepped out once a day and never requested regular housekeeping. They ordered food directly to their room, avoiding interaction with other guests or staff. There was little indication that they were on the run for a brutal crime.

The couple had already visited Manali before arriving in Kasol. It is believed they travelled by taxi, engaging in minimal conversation during the ride. Their cab driver, Ajab Singh, later revealed that Sahil consumed excessive amounts of alcohol, drinking two bottles daily, while Muskan drank beer brought from Shamli. Despite their alleged crime, the couple participated in Holi celebrations, enjoying music and partying with other revelers.

Did They Show Any Signs of Remorse?

Video footage has since surfaced, showing Muskan and Sahil dancing and smiling at a Holi party. While the exact location of the recording remains unclear, it appears to have been taken during their stay in Himachal Pradesh. Another clip shows Muskan feeding cake to Sahil and kissing him on his birthday, suggesting a disturbingly carefree attitude despite the brutal crime committed just days earlier.

The driver who transported them across Himachal noted that their behaviour never suggested they had just carried out a murder. According to him, they rarely spoke to each other and mostly communicated via WhatsApp calls. Muskan received only two phone calls from her mother throughout the trip, maintaining a detached presence.

What Led to Saurabh Rajput’s Murder?

The murder appears to have been meticulously planned. According to the police, Muskan allegedly laced Saurabh’s food with sedatives before calling Sahil over to execute the attack. The duo repeatedly stabbed Saurabh with a butcher’s knife before slitting his throat. To dispose of the body, they chopped it into pieces, placed the remains in a drum, and covered it with cement.

Muskan and Sahil’s actions following the murder indicate a calculated attempt to distance themselves from the crime scene. Their immediate departure to Himachal Pradesh, participation in social gatherings, and apparent lack of remorse paint a troubling picture of their mindset.

How Will This Impact the Investigation?

As authorities piece together the timeline of events, the couple’s movements post-murder could be critical in determining their motives and mental state. Their extended stay in Himachal Pradesh, combined with their carefree attitude at parties and celebrations, may play a role in how the prosecution presents their case in court.

With surveillance footage, hotel records, and eyewitness testimonies now emerging, investigators are building a detailed account of their actions. The apparent lack of urgency in their escape raises questions about whether they underestimated law enforcement or simply felt invincible after the crime.

As the case unfolds, many are left disturbed not just by the brutality of the crime but also by the seemingly indifferent attitude displayed by the accused in its aftermath. The contrast between their alleged actions and their celebratory behaviour in the days following Saurabh’s death underscores the chilling nature of the case.