Meerut murder: Accused Muskan dreamed of being ‘film star’, woman seeking death penalty is her stepmother

The deceased's family has alleged that the parents of the accused wife, Muskan Rastogi, were aware of Saurabh's murder well before March 18

The woman arrested for the brutal murder of her husband, a former Merchant Navy officer, in Meerut had dreams of becoming a movie star since childhood, according to the victim’s brother.

According to the police, Muskan and her lover Sahil Shukla confessed to having stabbed Saurabh to death on March 4. The two then chopped his body, put the remains inside the drum and sealed it with cement.

The two were arrested on March 18 and remanded in 14-day judicial custody a day after.

As reported by News18 Hindi, the victim’s brother stated that Muskan’s desire to become a film star had previously led her to run away from home, resulting in a divorce case and domestic conflicts.

The report further revealed, citing police sources, that the woman demanding the death penalty for the accused couple, previously identified as Muskan’s mother, is actually her stepmother.

The deceased's family has alleged that the parents of the accused wife, Muskan Rastogi, were aware of Saurabh's murder well before March 18, when the police were officially informed about the crime.

Saurabh's mother Renu Devi claimed his six-year-old daughter, too, knew about her father's death.

"That is why, as we have come to know from some people, she (Saurabh's daughter) was saying, 'Papa is in the drum'," Renu Devi said.

Police reports suggest that following Saurabh’s murder, Muskan and Sahil were seen carrying a bag containing his severed head and palm while walking through the streets. Muskan allegedly purchased a drum and a knife during this time, and police are questioning the vendors to collect stronger evidence for stricter penalties.

According to police sources, Muskan went to her family on March 18 and informed her parents about the murder. The parents then took her to the police. Following this, a case was registered, the body was recovered, and Muskan and Sahil were arrested.