126 Hearings, 22 Witnesses, 13 Months: Verdict in Meerut ‘Blue Drum’ Murder Case Today

Meerut: After 126 hearings, testimonies from more than 22 witnesses and nearly 13 months of trial proceedings, the verdict in the high-profile Saurabh Rajput ‘blue drum’ murder case is expected today, September 30.

The Meerut district court is set to pronounce its verdict in the murder of 25-year-old businessman Saurabh Rajput, whose body was allegedly found concealed inside a blue drum at his residence.

Saurabh’s wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her alleged lover and co-accused, Sahil Shukla, are facing trial. The prosecution has sought the death penalty for both, while the defence has argued that there was no eyewitness to the murder and sought relief for the accused.

District government counsel Krishna Kumar Chaubey said all evidence, witness testimonies and arguments have been completed, leaving only the verdict.

The case reached the court on March 17, 2025, with Muskan and Sahil being sent to Meerut jail two days later. The trial was transferred to the district judge’s court in July 2025.

What the Prosecution Alleged

According to the prosecution, the murder was pre-planned. The accused allegedly purchased a knife, razor, cement, sand and a large blue drum before the killing.

Police and forensic witnesses reportedly detailed the recovery of the body from the drum, while the post-mortem report recorded injuries allegedly caused by sharp-edged weapons.

The prosecution also relied on statements from 22 witnesses and scientific evidence.

Defence Claims

The defence has maintained that there was no eyewitness to the murder and argued that the accused were implicated in connection with a property dispute.

Saurabh’s mother, Renu Rajput, also testified against Muskan and Sahil, alleging that her son had married Muskan in 2016 despite family opposition and that she continued meeting Sahil after the marriage.

She also raised allegations concerning Saurabh’s daughters, including claims about one daughter being taken away by Muskan’s family and the circumstances surrounding his younger daughter’s birth while Muskan was in jail.

With arguments and evidence now complete, all eyes are on the Meerut district court as it prepares to deliver its verdict in the closely followed case.