A Meerut court in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday sentenced Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla to death on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, for the murder of Saurabh Rajput, Muskan’s husband. The case, also known as the “Blue Drum Murder Case,” attracted national attention after Rajput’s remains were found hidden in a blue plastic drum filled with cement.
The sentence came two weeks after the court convicted both accused on September 30, 2026, for their roles in the murder and the destruction of evidence.
Court Announces Death Sentence
The Meerut district court pronounced the sentences after hearing arguments from the prosecution and defence. The prosecution had sought capital punishment, calling the crime the “rarest of rare.”
According to media reports, the trial had 126 hearings and 22 prosecution witnesses. Evidence from circumstantial, forensic and other evidence was used in the proceedings.
The conviction was a big deal in a case that has been under public scrutiny since the crime came to light in March 2025.
What was the Blue Drum Murder Case?
The case is related to the murder of Saurabh Rajput, a former Merchant Navy officer who lived in Meerut with his wife Muskan Rastogi.
According to the prosecution, Rajput was murdered in March 2025 and his body was dismembered and kept in a blue plastic drum with cement and other materials.
Investigators alleged that Muskan and Sahil Shukla, who was in a relationship with her, conspired to commit the crime and conceal evidence. The case became known by the name of the blue drum where Rajput’s remains were found.
The discovery led to a police investigation and the arrest of both accused. Their trial continued for more than a year before the court delivered its conviction verdict in September 2026.
Evidence Presented During the Trial
The prosecution provided testimony from 22 witnesses, along with evidence which was intended to establish the sequence of events surrounding Rajput’s murder.
Witnesses reported that investigators looked at circumstantial evidence and for details of the alleged concealment of the body. The prosecution argued the evidence as a whole confirmed the guilt of both suspects.
The court convicted Muskan and Sahil on September 30, before leaving the punishment to a later hearing.
🚨 Biggest Breaking: ✋ Muskan and her partner Sahil have been sentenced to death in the Meerut "Blue Drum 🛢️" case. https://t.co/l7PchYMqbc
— Simpu Singh (@Simpu_SinghIND) October 14, 2026
What happens after the death sentence?
The death penalty is among the most severe punishments under Indian law. But the death sentence by a sessions court must be confirmed by the High Court before it can be carried out.
The convicts can also seek legal remedies. Thus, the sentencing announcement does not mean that an execution will take place immediately.
One of the Cases That Drew National Attention
The Blue Drum Murder Case became one of the most significant criminal cases in India as Rajput’s death and the attempt to hide his remains were reported.
The October 14 sentencing is the trial court’s biggest step. The next step will be the legal steps taken by the convicts and the necessary judicial review of the death sentences.
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