In brief
Muskan Rastogi (26) and Sahil Shukla (28) were sentenced to death for the 2025 murder of her husband Saurabh Rajput. The body was recovered from a large blue plastic drum, giving the case its nickname. Both were convicted on 30 September in Meerut and must await high‑court confirmation, though they can appeal. The prosecution claims the pair laced Rajput’s food with sedatives, then fled to Himachal Pradesh and fabricated his business travel. The case has shocked the community, raising concerns about domestic violence and justice in Uttar Pradesh.
Warning: This story contains details that some readers may find distressing.
Muskan Rastogi, 26, and Sahil Shukla, 28, have been sentenced to death for murdering Rastogi’s husband, Saurabh Rajput, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Rajput’s body was recovered from a large blue plastic storage container—locally known as a “drum”—which led the case to be dubbed the “blue drum murder.”
Both were convicted on 30 September by a Meerut court; the death sentences await confirmation from the high court, and the pair retain the right to appeal.
The prosecution contended that Rastogi and Shukla grew close after the couple’s divorce attempt in 2021 was abandoned because Rajput worked in London and the couple had a young daughter. Shukla allegedly laced Rajput’s food with sedatives before killing him on 3 March 2025 while visiting Meerut.
After the murder, the pair fled to Himachal Pradesh but used Rajput’s mobile phone to send texts to his family, convincing them the victim was alive and travelling for business. Rajput’s family filed a missing‑person complaint several days later.
During investigation, Rastogi was asked by police about her father on 17 March after visiting her parents; she initially blamed her in‑laws but later confessed during interrogation.
Rastogi’s parents demanded strict action, describing her as a danger to society. Rajput’s brother expressed sorrow at the brutal murder.
While in custody, Rastogi gave birth to a second child.
