Merchant Navy officer Murder : Forensic cases analysis of Saurabh - Muskan murder
Background of the Case:
Saurabh Rajput, a Merchant Navy officer, lived with his wife Muskan Rastogi in Meerut. Due to his demanding career, Saurabh would often be away at sea for months at a time. This distance allegedly led Muskan to rekindle her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Sahil Shukla. What started as an extramarital affair soon turned into a sinister conspiracy to eliminate Saurabh.
Source: FirstpostMurder Plot and Execution:
- Extended Planning: Muskan and Sahil allegedly plotted the murder for over four months.
- Incapacitation: Saurabh was reportedly drugged before the murder to prevent any resistance.
- Dismemberment: The body was cut into multiple pieces and placed in a drum filled with cement.
- Alibi Creation: Muskan and Sahil posted pictures from Saurabh’s social media account to suggest he was still alive.
Forensic Investigation and Evidence Collection:
The complexity of the crime required a sophisticated forensic investigation. The body’s concealment in cement, the dismemberment, and the attempt to manipulate social media created significant challenges for forensic experts. However, a combination of physical, toxicological, and digital evidence allowed investigators to unravel the crime.
Source: FirstpostCrime Scene Processing:
Investigators collected samples of cement, searched for blood traces, fibers, and fingerprints. Despite the body being encased in cement, forensic teams extracted the drum under controlled conditions to preserve evidence. Blood spatter analysis indicated that the crime had been committed in the bedroom before the body was moved.
Source: FirstpostBody Recovery and Identification:
- DNA Analysis: Confirmed that the body parts belonged to Saurabh Rajput.
- Dental Records: Used to further verify the identity of the remains.
- Skeletal Analysis: Helped in understanding the extent of injuries.
Autopsy Findings:
The autopsy determined that the cause of death was strangulation combined with head injuries. The absence of defensive wounds suggested that Saurabh was drugged or unconscious at the time of the murder. The precision of the dismemberment indicated premeditation.
Source: FirstpostToxicological Analysis:
Toxicology tests revealed traces of sedatives in Saurabh’s blood, confirming that he was drugged before being murdered. The type and dosage of the drug indicated deliberate administration.
Source: FirstpostDigital Forensics:
Investigators retrieved chat messages, call logs, and search history from the suspects' devices. Internet searches included "how to dismember a body" and "how to dispose of a body in cement." Social media activity from Saurabh’s account, posted while he was already dead, strengthened the case.
Source: FirstpostConclusion:
The arrest of Muskan and Sahil highlights the transformative role of modern forensic techniques in solving complex cases. The use of toxicology, DNA analysis, and digital forensics played a pivotal role in unmasking the truth behind Saurabh’s tragic death.
References:
Firstpost. (2025). Merchant Navy Officer Murder Case.
Times of India. (2025). Muskan-Sahil Navy Murder Case Details.
India Today. (2025). Navy Officer Murdered in Meerut: Wife and Lover Arrested.
Hindustan Times. (2025). Meerut Navy Officer Murder: Muskan and Sahil Arrested.
NDTV. (2025). Navy Officer Murder Case: Wife and Lover Arrested.
