Full Breakdown
Conviction in Meerut’s “Blue Drum” Murder Case
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Facts of the Verdict
On September 30, the Meerut district court found Muskan Rastogi and Sahul Shukla guilty of murdering Saurabh Rajput, a 29-year-old former Merchant Navy officer. District Judge Arvind Kumar Mishra said the pair conspired to drug, stab and dismember Rajput, then concealed his remains in a blue plastic drum filled with cement and sand. A sentencing hearing is set for October 14.
Background & Context
The crime occurred on March 3, 2025. Prosecutors say Rastogi laced Rajput’s food with a sedative, Shukla arrived, and together they killed and dismembered him, sealing the parts in the drum to mask odors. The drum was discovered on March 17, 2025 when relatives, accompanied by police, inspected the residence. Investigators traced the accused to hotels in Shimla and Manali before arresting them two days later.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 3, 2025 | Rajput allegedly drugged and killed. |
| March 17, 2025 | Drum containing remains discovered. |
| March 19, 2025 | Rastogi and Shukla placed in Meerut jail. |
| September 17 | Final arguments completed; verdict date set. |
| September 30 | Conviction delivered. |
| October 14 (scheduled) | Sentencing hearing. |
Data & Statistics
- Trial length: ~13 months.
- Witnesses examined: 22.
- Accused: 2 (Rastogi, 26; Shukla, 26).
- Victim: Saurabh Rajput, 29.
Official Statements & Responses
“The court has held Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla guilty of the murder of Saurabh Rajput and, while referring to a Supreme Court order, observed that perpetrators of such heinous crimes should receive appropriate punishment so that a message goes out in society that the rule of law prevails,” — Krishna Kumar Chaubey
“The court has now held both offenders guilty of murdering Saurabh Rajput and attempting to conceal evidence… Both individuals have been convicted of this offense.” — Advocate Krishan Kumar Dubey
Victim’s Family Demands
His mother Renu Rajput testified that her son’s marriage faced family opposition and accused Rastogi of continuing an affair with Shukla after the wedding.
Why It Matters
The “blue drum” case highlights the role of forensic and circumstantial evidence—purchase records, mobile-tower data and DNA analysis—in Indian criminal trials. The conviction is being watched as a test of how the judiciary balances deterrence with procedural safeguards in high-profile murders.