“In the Saurabh murder case of Meerut, after 54 days of investigation, the police filed a nearly 1,000-page chargesheet in the court. 22 witnesses recorded their statements in court. Now, 590 days after the murder, both convicts have been sentenced. 126 hearings took place in court for this case.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Muskan pleaded for mercy, citing the future of her two daughters. During this, a 45-minute argument took place between the prosecution and defense lawyers. In their argument, the defense also cited her parents.”
“The prosecution stated that since going to jail, Muskan had not thought about her elder daughter or her parents until now. Now, out of fear of the death penalty, she is thinking about them.”
“DGC Krishna Kumar Choubey stated that Sahil Shukla is approximately 28 years old. He is a graduate, but currently, his business and income are nil. Accused Muskan Rastogi is also around 28 years old. Her education is up to the 8th grade, and her income and employment are also nil.”
“Citing precedents from Supreme Court judgments, the prosecution stated that anything less than the death penalty would be a mockery of the law.
The prosecution cited several judgments from the country’s apex courts in support of its arguments. Citing legal systems, evidence, and the deep negative impact on society, District Government Counsel Krishna Kumar Choubey urged the court to punish Muskan and Sahil with the death penalty.”
“He stated that if a lesser sentence than this is given, it would be a mockery of the law. Citing Mahesh v. State of Madhya Pradesh (AIR 1987 SC 1346), he pointed out that the Supreme Court had held that allowing the accused to escape strict punishment despite such evidence and brutal acts would be akin to making a mockery of justice.”
“The common man will lose faith in the courts; in such cases, the language of fear and deterrence is more important than reformative principles.”
“Reference was also made to this case:
Babu v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2008 SC 113)
The court had reiterated that showing undue sympathy to award a lesser sentence weakens the justice delivery system and undermines the public’s confidence in the efficacy of law.”
“Dhananjoy Chatterjee alias Dhana v. State of West Bengal (1994)
The Supreme Court held that such barbaric acts assault the human dignity of society and there is no room for leniency in such cases.”
“Citing the judgments of Khushwinder Singh v. State of Punjab (2019) and Bantu v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2008), it was stated that in the rarest of rare cases, the death penalty is the most appropriate punishment.”
“From Murder to Death Penalty
February 24, 2025: Saurabh returned to Meerut from London.
March 3, 2025: Saurabh was murdered by slitting his throat with a razor.
March 4, 2025: To hide the body, it was sealed with cement in a blue drum and both the accused went for a trip to Shimla-Manali.
March 18, 2025: Based on the complaint filed by the brother, the police registered an FIR and arrested both accused.
March 19, 2025: The body was recovered from the house after cutting the blue drum with a cutter, and both were sent to jail.
May 12, 2025: Chargesheet was filed in court.
September 30, 2026: The district court convicted Muskan and Sahil.
October 14, 2026: Both convicts were sentenced to death.”
“Mother’s tears welled up, said – Death penalty is the right punishment for such criminals
During the sentencing of Muskan and Sahil on Wednesday afternoon, Saurabh’s mother Renu Devi, his brother Bablu, and other family members were also present in the court. As soon as the District Judge pronounced the sentence, tears welled up in the eyes of Renu Devi and other women of the family.”
“Saurabh’s mother Renu Devi said while crying that for the heinous crime Muskan and Sahil committed, they deserved nothing less than the death penalty. She added that if there were any punishment greater than this in the law, she would have demanded that.”
“Sharing her old pain, Renu Devi recounted that on the night of demonetization (November 8, 2016), Muskan had taken her son Saurabh away from home and started living in a rented house. Following this, on March 3, 2025, she along with her lover brutally murdered her son. The mother shared that Saurabh previously worked in the Merchant Navy and later at a mall.”
“Later, he went to London to provide a happy life for his family. He used to send 50,000 rupees every month for household expenses. Saurabh came to India from London on February 24, 2025, to celebrate the birthday of his daughter and his wife, Muskan. He had no inkling that the very wife for whom he was shedding his sweat and blood day and night abroad had become the enemy of his life.”
“Father in depression, brother says – Will fight up to the Supreme Court
Saurabh’s brother Bablu shared that this murder case has shattered the entire family from within. Saurabh’s father Munna Lal is in deep depression to this day, and his mother hasn’t been able to sleep peacefully. The brother clarified that this verdict from the district court has given them justice. If the convicts appeal this sentence in a higher court, the family is fully prepared to fight the legal battle up to the Supreme Court to ensure both are sent to the gallows.”
“Younger daughter belongs to Sahil, she has no connection with us: Renu Devi
Saurabh’s mother Renu Devi, who reached the court, stated that Muskan’s younger daughter Radha does not belong to her son, but to her lover Sahil Shukla. This baby girl was born inside the jail on November 24, 2025, which was also Saurabh’s birthday. Renu Devi shared that when the girl was born in jail, Sahil was overjoyed and told the other inmates locked in the barrack that he would treat everyone to sweets once he got out. Saurabh’s family members have made it clear that they will not get any DNA matching done for this young girl, as she has no connection with their family.”
Bureau Report
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