Meerut Murder: Chopped Man’s Minor Daughter Aware of 'Papa in the Drum'
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Synopsis
The Meerut Police are considering hiring a counsellor for the traumatized daughter of slain Saurabh Rajput, who hinted that 'Papa is in the drum.' This case involves his murder by his wife Muskaan Rastogi and her lover, and the girl might provide key information.
Key Takeaways
- Police seek child counsellor for witness.
- Minor daughter revealed critical statement.
- Saurabh Rajput was murdered by wife and lover.
- Body dismembered and hidden in cement-filled drum.
- Previous murder attempt occurred before the fatal incident.
Meerut, March 21 (NationPress) The Meerut Police are contemplating bringing in a counsellor to communicate with the distressed six-year-old daughter of the murdered former Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput in order to obtain details, as she reportedly mentioned to some individuals that 'Papa is in the drum'.
Superintendent of Police for Meerut City, Ayush Vikram Singh, stated that the investigation into the motive behind the murder is ongoing, and the young girl may provide crucial insights regarding the shocking slaying of Saurabh Rajput on March 4, orchestrated by his wife Muskaan Rastogi and her partner, Sahil Shukla.
It is believed that the girl may have witnessed something or overheard discussions that led her to say to others that 'Papa is in the drum', as indicated by her grandmother's statement to the police.
An official noted that a child counsellor is likely to engage more effectively with a traumatized child than law enforcement personnel, emphasizing the aim of establishing a safe and supportive setting for the child to express her emotions and develop coping mechanisms.
Saurabh's remains—dismembered into 15 pieces—were discovered in a plastic drum sealed with cement shortly after he had returned from overseas, intending to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.
His wife Muskaan and her boyfriend Sahil were later apprehended following their admission of guilt regarding the crime. They face charges of murder, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence, according to police reports.
On the evening of March 4, Muskaan administered sleeping pills in Saurabh's meal. Once he was incapacitated, she and Sahil attacked him with a knife, dismembered his body, and concealed it in the drum before filling it with cement.
SP Singh mentioned that Muskaan consented to stab Saurabh while Sahil restrained him. Subsequently, Sahil directed Muskaan to procure a drum, sand, and cement bags. They claimed to have brought a knife under the guise of preparing chicken but used it to murder Saurabh instead. After dismembering the body, they placed it in the drum and later filled it with cement.
After the murder, the suspects vacationed in Shimla and Kasol to fabricate an alibi while keeping in touch with Saurabh's family through text messages.
The duo had also made a prior unsuccessful attempt to kill Saurabh on February 25, as per police information.
Authorities had to utilize a drill to break through the cement in the drum to retrieve Saurabh's remains.
Saurabh and Muskaan had a love marriage in 2016 and welcomed a daughter in 2019. However, Saurabh's choice to leave his Merchant Navy career to spend additional time with his family caused friction with his relatives.
In 2023, he relocated to London to work at a bakery, yet financial difficulties continued. Muskaan's family frequently supported her financially. Saurabh also struggled with alcoholism, which further strained their marriage.
Upon returning to India on February 24 to celebrate his daughter's birthday, tensions between the couple escalated. Muskaan and Sahil had already attempted to take his life on February 25, albeit unsuccessfully.
