Cops Reveal Key Details on Meerut Murder: Black Magic & Money Transfers

Meerut Murder: Police Reveal Horrific Details of Chilling Crime

Meerut: Meerut police, Uttar Pradesh, have revealed their major observations in the gruesome murder of ex-Merchant Navy man Saurabh Rajput by his wife, Muskaan Rastogi, and her boyfriend, Sahil Shukla. The gruesome crime, where the body of the victim was cut into 15 pieces and put into a cement-filled drum, has raised suspicion over black magic, extramarital affairs, and money.

Confession and Arrest

Saurabh was murdered on March 4, soon after he had come back from overseas to mark his daughter’s birthday. His wife and Sahil, with whom she had an adulterous relationship, were subsequently detained. The accused also admitted to committing the crime, saying they had escaped to Himachal Pradesh after murdering Saurabh. On their return, they were arrested and the murder weapon was seized.

The Extramarital Affair and Motive

Superintendent of Police Ayush Vikram Singh, who is in charge of the investigation, made sure that Muskaan and Saurabh had a love marriage in 2016. Their relationship turned sour, though, when Saurabh found out about Muskaan’s infidelity in 2021. Their landlord had told him after seeing Muskaan and Sahil in an “objectionable” position.

“During interrogation, Muskaan admitted to her relationship with Sahil since 2019. Saurabh was aware and had filed for divorce in 2021, but his family convinced him to stay,” said SP Singh.

Muskaan claimed Sahil was an alcoholic, which led to frequent quarrels. He also faced financial difficulties, and Muskaan’s family supported him by covering his expenses, including rent.

A Failed Attempt and the Final Act

Investigations showed that Saurabh worked in a London bakery since 2023. He came to India on February 24, and the accused first attempted to murder him on February 25 but could not succeed. They finally carried out their plan on March 3. The police have identified the shop where they bought the drum and other objects used in the crime. The shopkeeper was interrogated and more evidence is being gathered.

A police squad will visit Shimla to track the accused’s activities and seize more evidence. Forensic examinations are also being done on their mobiles.

Black Magic Angle?

Since the murder was so gruesome, rumors of black magic rituals were circulating. SP Singh, however, ruled out the theory, claiming that no black magic evidence had been discovered.

“Was a calculated killing. The black magic hypothesis can be a ploy to deflect the investigation. The suspect will be asked what they intended to do with the drum,” he said.

Financial Allegations and Money Transfers

Muskaan claimed that Saurabh had Rs 6 lakh in his bank account. In fear of the money being confiscated, he sent Rs 1 lakh to her account and Rs 1.5 lakh to his mother’s account. The police are cross-checking these assertions along with his financial activities in London.

Saurabh’s family has accused his in-laws of misusing his funds to purchase a house and other costly items. If the allegations are proven, further charges will be brought against the accused.

The Discovery of the Murder

The crime was revealed when Muskaan and Sahil came back from Shimla. Their landlord had arranged for laborers to vacate the house, and when questioned about the heavy drum, Muskaan said it had junk. But on smelling something foul, they informed the police.

Muskaan later confessed to her mother, who then reported it to authorities.

Saurabh’s six-year-old daughter told neighbors, the police said in reports, “Papa is in the drum,” which left the investigators hoping she may have seen something abhorrent.

With ever-increasing proof, the authorities are trying their best to complete swift justice against the victim as well as severe punishment for the suspect.