Meerut Murder Case: Accused Muskaan Seeks Legal Representation From Govt After Family Refuses To Provide Lawyer

Currently held in Meerut District Jail, Muskaan submitted her request to the Jail Superintendent on Saturday, seeking state-provided legal aid.

File photo of Muskaan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla, accused in the gruesome murder of Saurabh Rajput.

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Muskaan Rastogi, a key suspect in the gruesome murder of her husband, Saurabh Rajput, has sought a government-appointed lawyer after her family refused to support her legal defence.

Currently held in Meerut District Jail, Muskaan submitted her request to the Jail Superintendent on Saturday, seeking state-provided legal aid. Meanwhile, her alleged accomplice and lover, Sahil Shukla, has not made a decision yet about the need for a government lawyer.

Jail Superintendent Veeresh Raj Sharma told IANS, "For security reasons, new prisoners are initially kept separate in the new prisoners' barrack. Yesterday, Muskaan requested a meeting with me. When I met her, she said her family was upset and would not fight her case. Hence, she has asked for a government lawyer."

"As per prison reform laws, every inmate has the right to legal aid. If a prisoner cannot afford a private lawyer, we are obliged to provide one. Her request is being forwarded to the honourable court. Sahil was also asked about legal representation, but he has not decided yet. He said he may opt for a government lawyer if his family does not arrange one," he added.

Both Accused Experiencing Severe Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Additionally, both Muskaan and Sahil are reportedly experiencing severe drug withdrawal symptoms. Jail authorities observed that they are "demanding injections" and showing intense cravings for marijuana.

"Many prisoners enter jail with drug addiction. We have a de-addiction centre under my and the doctor's supervision, where we conduct counselling, meditation, yoga, and physical activities. Medical treatment is also provided to manage withdrawal symptoms," Sharma also said.

"When the accused were examined, symptoms of drug addiction were found. Medicines are being administered, and efforts are underway to rehabilitate them within 10 to 15 days through counselling and therapy," he further added.

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

After committing the crime, the duo took a trip to Himachal Pradesh, deceiving Saurabh's family by sending messages from his phone. The case unraveled on March 18 when Muskaan confessed to her mother, who subsequently alerted the police.