Blue Drum Murder Case: Muskan Rastogi, Sahil Shukla skip dinner and cry through the first night after death sentence in Saurabh Rajput murder

Convicts Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla reportedly spent a difficult first night in jail after a Meerut court sentenced them to death for murdering Muskan's husband, merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput.

According to jail sources on Thursday, both convicts skipped dinner and remained distressed following the verdict. Muskan reportedly sat in a corner of the barrack, holding her 10-month-old daughter, Radha, and crying until late at night.

Jail authorities have increased security and arranged regular medical check-ups and counselling sessions for the two convicts. Both have also expressed their intention to challenge the death sentence in the Allahabad High Court.

Muskan Rastogi, Sahil Shukla Receive Counselling After Verdict

District Jail Senior Superintendent Viresh Raj Sharma said both convicts broke down after the court announced its verdict on Wednesday. Jail officials counselled them and explained the next steps in the legal process.

Sahil has been moved to a barrack for male convicts, while Muskan remains in the women's barrack with her infant daughter, Sharma said. Doctors and prison officials have been instructed to monitor their health, with counselling sessions held on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

According to Sharma, convicts sentenced to death may need two to four days to recover from the immediate emotional impact of the verdict.

Both Muskan and Sahil have indicated that they intend to appeal against the sentence. They are expected to inform the jail administration within two to three days whether they will appoint private lawyers or seek legal representation through the prison authorities.

If their families or private lawyers do not file an appeal, the jail administration will approach the High Court within 30 days, Sharma said. Government lawyer Rekha Jain also confirmed that the sentence would be challenged.

Muskan Seeks Permission To Meet Older Daughter Pihu

Muskan has reportedly sought permission to meet her seven-year-old daughter, Pihu. She was informed that the child would need to be brought to the jail for the meeting.

Muskan also requested permission to write a letter to Pihu. Although the request was approved, she had not submitted the letter as of Thursday.

Her 10-month-old daughter, Radha, continues to stay with her in prison. Under jail rules, children can remain with their mothers until they turn six.

Saurabh Rajput's Family Declines To Adopt Radha

Saurabh's mother, Renu Devi, said the family did not wish to adopt Radha. She reportedly stated that the family was satisfied with the court's verdict and did not want to maintain a relationship with the infant.

However, Renu Devi said the family was willing to look after Pihu if the child's maternal grandparents agreed to send her to them.

Muskan Chooses Stitching Work, Sahil Takes Up Gardening In Jail

According to Sharma, Sahil has opted to work in farming and gardening inside the jail, while Muskan has chosen stitching and embroidery. Neither convict participated in the programmes organised during Navratri.

Meerut Court Sentences Couple To Death For Saurabh Rajput's Murder

A Meerut court sentenced Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla to death on Wednesday for the murder of Saurabh Rajput.

Saurabh, a merchant navy officer and Muskan's husband, was killed on March 3, 2025. His body was dismembered, and the remains were placed inside a blue drum filled with cement.

[With PTI inputs]