Indian Couple Sentenced to Death in "Blue Drum" Murder

A court in Meerut city, India, has sentenced Muskan Rastogi, 26, and Sahil Shukla, 28, to death for the 2025 murder of Rastogi's husband, Saurabh Rajput. The sentencing follows their conviction on September 30.

Rajput's body was discovered in a large blue plastic storage container, leading to the case being referred to as the "blue drum murder." The death sentences are subject to confirmation by the high court, and Rastogi and Shukla retain the right to appeal the verdict.

According to the prosecution, Rastogi and Shukla were former classmates who grew close while Rajput, who worked in London, was away. When Rajput learned of their affair in 2021, he considered divorce but was reportedly dissuaded by his family, as the couple had a young daughter.

Rajput was killed on March 3, 2025, during a visit to Meerut. Police stated that Rastogi administered sedatives to Rajput through his food before he was murdered. Following the killing, Rastogi and Shukla fled to Himachal Pradesh. They allegedly used Rajput's mobile phone to send messages to his family, attempting to create the impression that he was alive and traveling for business.

Several days later, Rajput's family filed a missing person report. On March 17, upon returning from Himachal Pradesh, Rastogi visited her parents. During this visit, her six-year-old daughter inquired about her father. Rastogi initially accused her in-laws of the murder. Unconvinced, her parents brought her to the police station, where she confessed to the crime. Rastogi and Shukla were subsequently arrested and charged.

Rajput's brother told BBC Hindi that his brother was "killed by cruel people." Rastogi's parents also called for strict action against their daughter, with her father stating, "My daughter, along with a friend, murdered her husband in her own home. She is not fit for this society and is a danger to others."

Rastogi gave birth to a second child while in jail awaiting trial.