‘Muskan Covers Her Face, Sahil Battles Drug Withdrawal’: How Meerut Murder Accused Spent 6 Days In Jail
Meerut's Saurabh Rajput's murder: Completing six days in jail on Monday, authorities say accused Sahil Shukla and Muskan Rastogi exhibit signs of anxiety and drug withdrawal
Confined within the high walls of Meerut District Jail, Sahil Shukla and Muskan Rastogi, accused of the gruesome murder of Muskan’s husband Saurabh Rajput, find themselves battling isolation, drug withdrawal symptoms, and mental distress.
As Monday marks their six days in jail, authorities say both exhibit signs of anxiety and drug withdrawal. Shukla reportedly suffers from drug dependence, while Rastogi, grappling with deep emotional distress, has requested a government lawyer and permission to speak with her daughter, Pihu.
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STRUGGLES BEHIND BARS
Since their arrival at Meerut jail on March 19, both Shukla and Rastogi have been held in separate common barracks. Jail sources reveal that neither has received visitors, nor has any application been filed for a meeting. Rastogi remains withdrawn, often covering her face and speaking only when necessary. Meanwhile, Shukla, seemingly experiencing drug withdrawal, has become restless, leading to health complications. Jail doctors placed him under observation after he exhibited signs of severe distress.
“Shukla is showing clear symptoms of withdrawal. He has been pacing inside his barrack non-stop, avoiding food at times. If this continues, we may have to shift him to a de-addiction centre," said a jail official, on condition of anonymity.
Counsellors from a de-addiction centre were called to assess both inmates, as jail authorities suspected their erratic behaviour stemmed from substance dependence. Additionally, rumours of Rastogi’s pregnancy have surfaced, prompting authorities to schedule a medical test to confirm her condition.
ISOLATION AND WITHDRAWAL
Rastogi and Shukla are currently housed in common barracks along with other inmates. Rastogi shares her space with 40 women prisoners, 26 of whom are accused of murder. However, jail officials note that none of the women have committed a crime as heinous as Rastogi’s. Upon her arrival, fellow inmates bombarded her with questions, but she remained silent, avoiding eye contact and interaction. The jail staff intervened, instructing the other prisoners not to question her about the murder.
“We have told other inmates not to ask her about the crime. She has been sitting quietly, her face covered, refusing to engage with anyone," said a woman warden assigned to monitor Rastogi.
Shukla, conversely, spends most of his time pacing within his barrack, refraining from interacting with other inmates. His withdrawal symptoms have exacerbated his condition. Prison authorities are closely monitoring him, and should his health deteriorate further, he may be transferred to a de-addiction centre.
THEIR DAYS IN JAIL
Shukla and Rastogi arrived at the Meerut jail on March 19 after their medical examination, visibly shaken from an earlier assault by lawyers. They requested to be kept together, but the authorities denied their request. Rastogi refused food and spent the night restlessly, while Shukla ate roti and dal before sleeping soundly.
The following day, Rastogi again refused breakfast, but, after counselling, ate a small meal and requested to speak with Pihu. Although her request was denied, she seemed calmer by nightfall. Meanwhile, Shukla remained composed and continued eating normally.
By March 21, as no one had visited Rastogi or provided personal belongings, the authorities issued her clothing, which she accepted without protest. She bathed and changed, but remained restless, eating little. Shukla, seemingly experiencing withdrawal symptoms, paced inside his barrack.
On March 22, heightened anxiety in both led to counselling sessions by a de-addiction centre. Rastogi withdrew further, avoiding inmates and covering her face, while prison officials assigned constant watch over her due to concerns about her mental state.
Meerut’s senior jail superintendent Viresh Raj Sharma confirmed that Shukla and Rastogi would remain in common barracks for 10 days before reassignment. He assured they were receiving adequate meals and medical care. Regarding Rastogi’s possible pregnancy, Sharma stated a test would be conducted soon at the district hospital. He also clarified that their request to stay together was denied, as only legally married couples or blood relatives qualify for such provisions.
THE GRUESOME MURDER
On the night of March 3, Rastogi and Shukla allegedly murdered Saurabh Rajput, a former merchant navy officer who had recently returned from London. Rastogi allegedly spiked his food, rendering him unconscious. She then reportedly stabbed him in the chest while he slept. Shukla, assisting in the crime, dismembered the body, put the parts in a plastic drum and sealed it with cement, said police.
“She did not hesitate while stabbing him. She had planned this for a long time," an investigator had stated after the confession.
To mislead her family and the authorities, Rastogi went on a vacation to Shimla and Manali, uploading photos and videos on Instagram to create the illusion of a happy trip. However, the truth unravelled when Rajput’s younger brother, Rahul, visited their house in Indira Second, Brahmpuri, on March 18. Suspicious of Rastogi’s vague answers and noticing a foul odour, Rahul alerted neighbours and authorities, leading to the discovery of Rajput’s remains.
Both Rastogi and Shukla confessed to the crime after being taken into custody, detailing their alleged plan to kill Rajput and start a new life together.
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