A court in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla to death for the murder of Saurabh Rajput in the case widely known as the “blue drum murder case.”
The verdict was reported by Indian media outlets on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The case attracted widespread attention after Rajput’s remains were discovered concealed inside a blue plastic drum filled with cement in March 2025.
The sentencing follows a trial that lasted approximately 13 months and involved 126 hearing dates and testimony from 22 prosecution witnesses, according to earlier reports on the case.
What Was the Blue Drum Murder Case?
Saurabh Rajput, a former Merchant Navy officer, was killed in Meerut in March 2025. Muskan Rastogi, his wife, and Sahil Shukla were accused of conspiring to murder him.
According to the prosecution’s case, Rajput was killed on March 3, 2025. His body was subsequently dismembered and concealed inside a blue industrial drum, which was sealed with a mixture containing cement and sand.
The discovery of the remains and the circumstances surrounding the killing led to intense public attention. Police arrested the two accused in March 2025, and the case proceeded through the district court.
Court Convicted the Pair in September
On September 30, 2026, a district court in Meerut found Rastogi and Shukla guilty of murdering Rajput and attempting to conceal the crime.
The verdict came after an extended trial involving prosecution witnesses and evidence connected to the investigation. The court then scheduled a separate hearing to determine the appropriate punishment.
The prosecution sought the death penalty, arguing for the maximum punishment in view of the seriousness of the crime.
Death Sentence and Legal Process
The court’s reported decision to impose the death penalty marks a major development in the case. However, a death sentence does not mean that an execution has taken place.
Under Indian law, a death sentence imposed by a trial court must be confirmed by the High Court. The convicted individuals may also pursue available appeals and other legal remedies.
The case will therefore continue through the applicable legal process before any execution could take place.
Why the Case Drew National Attention
The case became widely known because of the use of a blue drum to conceal Rajput’s remains and the details presented during the police investigation and trial.
It also prompted public debate about serious violent crime, criminal investigations and the punishment appropriate for murder convictions.
The latest development is the reported death sentence against Rastogi and Shukla. Further legal proceedings will determine the case’s next steps.
