Meerut Murder: Sahil gambled using victim Saurabh’s money, say sources

Sahil Shukla, accused of killing merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, used the victim’s money to fund his gambling addiction. Police sources revealed that Sahil regularly bet on cricket matches and spent the winnings on vacations and luxuries for himself and Muskan Rastogi, Saurabh’s wife and the second accused.

Sahil placed bets through local bookies, whose identities are now under investigation. He reportedly used the winnings to pay for trips to Rishikesh and Dehradun with Muskan. Neighbors claimed Sahil had no steady job and relied on gambling to maintain his lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Saurabh regularly sent ₹1 lakh each month to Muskan for household expenses and their daughter. Every time he transferred money, Muskan allegedly informed Sahil, who then used it for betting. Police revealed that Sahil had been gambling on IPL matches for years. He planned to bet on the upcoming season before his arrest.

Superintendent of Police (City) Ayush Vikram Singh confirmed these details. “While working in London, Saurabh often sent money to Muskan. Just before his murder, he transferred ₹1 lakh to her account,” he said. Police are now investigating Sahil’s gambling activities during his remand.

The murder plot emerged during Sahil and Muskan’s interrogation. Both confessed to planning Saurabh’s killing as early as November last year. They provided details about the crime and how they obtained the necessary materials.

As the investigation continues, police have identified nine people connected to the case. This group includes four shopkeepers, a doctor, a chemist, a cab driver, a tenant, and a person who received money transfers. So far, police have questioned seven of them. SP Singh confirmed that interrogations would continue to uncover more details.

Saurabh’s mother, Renu Devi, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure a thorough investigation. She demanded the death penalty for the accused and expressed concerns for her granddaughter’s safety.

“I want justice. The culprits should face the death penalty,” Renu Devi said on Saturday. She insisted on a detailed investigation through the Crime Branch or the CBI to reveal the truth.

She also demanded custody of her granddaughter. “Since my son’s murder, we haven’t seen her. If Muskan can kill her husband, she can harm the little girl too,” she said.

Renu Devi recalled her last conversation with Saurabh on the night of March 3. “He didn’t mention any problems with Muskan. He wasn’t drunk. I was only upset because he arrived late,” she added.

Saurabh, a merchant navy officer, was allegedly murdered by Muskan and Sahil on March 4. They dismembered his body, stuffed it in a drum, and covered it with cement to hide the crime.

Surprisingly, even Muskan’s parents demanded the death penalty for their daughter. Muskan’s father revealed that she confessed to the murder when he confronted her. “I took her to the police station and asked her to tell the truth. The verdict should come quickly, and I want nothing less than capital punishment,” he said.

The case has shocked Meerut as more chilling details continue to surface.