Muskaan Rastogi, one of the main accused in the brutal murder of her husband, Saurabh Rajput, has requested a government-appointed lawyer after her family refused to support her legal battle. Currently held in Meerut District Jail, Muskaan approached the jail superintendent on Saturday, seeking legal representation from the state. Meanwhile, her co-accused and alleged lover, Sahil Shukla, has yet to decide whether he will also request government legal assistance.
Speaking to reporters, jail superintendent Veeresh Raj Sharma said, “For security reasons, new prisoners are initially housed separately. Muskaan met me yesterday and said that her family was unwilling to fight her case, so she has applied for a government lawyer. As per prison reform laws, every inmate has the right to legal aid if they cannot afford private representation.
Her request is being forwarded to the court.” Sharma further stated that Sahil was also asked about legal representation, but he remains undecided. “He mentioned that if his family does not arrange for a lawyer, he may opt for a government-appointed one.” Struggling with drug withdrawal. Jail officials have also reported that both Muskaan and Sahil are experiencing severe drug withdrawal symptoms, frequently demanding injections and exhibiting intense cravings for marijuana. “Many prisoners enter jail with drug addiction issues. Under my and the prison doctor’s supervision, we run a de-addiction centre, offering counselling, meditation, yoga, and physical activities. Medical treatment is also provided to help manage withdrawal,” Sharma explained. A medical examination confirmed symptoms of drug dependency in both accused. “They are being administered necessary medicines, and efforts are underway to rehabilitate them within 10 to 15 days through counselling and therapy,” he added.
On March 4, Muskaan and Sahil allegedly stabbed Saurabh Rajput to death, dismembered his body, and hid the remains inside a cement-filled drum in Meerut.
After committing the crime, the couple went on a vacation to HP while misleading Saurabh’s family by sending messages from his phone. The case came to light on March 18, when Muskaan confessed to her mother, who then alerted the police.
