Meerut Murder Case: Muskaan Requests Government Lawyer Amid Family Refusal

Synopsis

Muskaan Rastogi, a prime suspect in her husband's murder, requests a government lawyer after her family refuses to support her legal fight. She remains in custody as drug withdrawal symptoms complicate her situation. The case involves severe crimes and a cover-up attempt by the accused.

Key Takeaways

Muskaan Rastogi seeks government legal aid.
Her family refuses to support her legal defense.
Both Muskaan and co-accused Sahil face drug withdrawal symptoms.
The murder involved dismemberment and concealment of the victim's body.
The case was uncovered following Muskaan's confession to her mother.

Meerut, March 23 (NationPress) Muskaan Rastogi, a key suspect in the gruesome murder of her husband, Saurabh Rajput, has sought the assistance of a government-appointed attorney after her family declined to aid her in the legal proceedings.

Currently detained in Meerut District Jail, Muskaan submitted her request to the Jail Superintendent on Saturday, asking for legal representation from the state.

Meanwhile, her partner and fellow accused, Sahil Shukla, has not yet made a decision regarding the need for a government lawyer.

In a statement to IANS, Jail Superintendent Veeresh Raj Sharma mentioned, "For safety reasons, new inmates are initially housed separately in a designated area. Yesterday, Muskaan sought a meeting with me. During our conversation, she expressed that her family was displeased and would not advocate for her. Therefore, she has requested a government lawyer."

"According to prison reform regulations, every inmate is entitled to legal assistance. If a prisoner cannot afford a private attorney, we are mandated to provide one. Her request is being forwarded to the esteemed court. Sahil has also been inquired about legal representation, but he has yet to make a decision. He indicated that he may opt for a government lawyer if his family does not arrange one," he added.

Furthermore, both Muskaan and Sahil are reportedly facing severe drug withdrawal symptoms. Jail authorities have observed that they are "demanding injections" and suffering from intense cravings for marijuana.

"Numerous inmates enter the facility with a history of drug addiction. We operate a de-addiction center under my supervision and that of the medical staff, where we provide counseling, meditation, yoga, and physical activities. Medical treatment is also administered to alleviate withdrawal symptoms," explained Jail Superintendent Sharma.

"Upon examination, signs of drug addiction were detected in the accused. Medications are being dispensed, and efforts are underway to rehabilitate them within 10 to 15 days through counseling and therapy," he added.

On March 4, Muskaan and Sahil fatally stabbed Saurabh Rajput, dismembered his body, and concealed the remains in a cement-filled drum in Meerut.

Following the incident, the couple took a trip to Himachal Pradesh, misleading Saurabh's family by sending texts from his phone. The case came to light on March 18 when Muskaan confessed to her mother, who subsequently notified the authorities.