Meerut Murder: Muskan Rastogi, Wife Of Ex-Merchant Navy Officer, Seeks To Study Law From Jail
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Meerut Murder: A jail official said that Muskan Rastogi expressed dissatisfaction with her current legal representation.
Muskan Rastogi, 28, who stands accused of murdering her husband, former merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, sought permission from Meerut jail authorities in Uttar Pradesh to pursue legal studies so she can represent herself in court, The Times of India reported. A jail official told the publication that Muskan Rastogi expressed dissatisfaction with her current legal representation and stated her intention to argue her own case.
Muskan Rastogi and her partner, Sahil Shukla, allegedly murdered her husband, Saurabh Rajput, 35. His dismembered and cement-sealed body was discovered inside a blue plastic drum at their residence in Meerut on March 18. The couple was arrested after returning from a trip to Himachal Pradesh and sent to Chaudhary Charan Singh District Jail following the denial of their bail applications.
According to officials, Muskan Rastogi has not studied beyond Class 8 and lacks a senior secondary certificate- a mandatory qualification to pursue legal studies in India. Authorities are now exploring options for her to resume her education. The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers educational programs within the prison system, and officials said- as per the report- that Muskan Rastogi would first need to complete her senior secondary education before enrolling in an LLB course.
Jail Superintendent Viresh Raj Sharma told the outlet, 'Since Muskan was lodged in jail, no one from her family has visited her, while Sahil's maternal grandmother and brother met him. Now, Muskan has expressed interest in pursuing legal education, and we are considering the process. If she wants to study, jail authorities will provide all necessary resources."
Earlier this month, Meerut Police filed a nearly 1,000-page chargesheet against Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla in connection with the murder. Submitted 69 days after the discovery of Rajput's remains, the chargesheet included statements from 34 witnesses, including family members, hotel staff, and police officials. Muskan Rastogi's parents, Kavita and Pramod Rastogi, testified against her and their statements have been included in the chargesheet. Additionally, Muskan Rastogi was found to be pregnant during a routine medical check-up in jail.
Saurabh Rajput returned to Meerut on February 24. On March 3, just days after his arrival, he was allegedly stabbed to death by Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla. His body was dismembered in the bathroom and concealed in a blue drum filled with cement and dust to mask the odor.
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Mallika Soni
When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"
First Published:
May 31, 2025, 11:45 IST
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