A file photo hows Sahil (left) and Muskan Rastogi under police custody.
A verdict they appeared to have anticipated
The court will decide the quantum of punishment after giving the two convicts 15 days to make their submissions on the sentence. The verdict brings to an end a trial that lasted around 13 months and involved 126 hearings. Police filed a chargesheet of around 1,000 pages, while the prosecution examined 22 witnesses.
PTI reported that the court has now moved to the sentencing stage, where the two will have an opportunity to present their case before punishment is determined.
MEERUT: Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla the accused in the Meerut ‘blue drum’ murder case, appeared before the Meerut district court virtually on Wednesday with what prosecution counsel described as a “defeated” look, seemingly prepared for the verdict that would find them guilty of killing merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput. The court ultimately convicted the two in the sensational “Blue Drum” murder case, holding them guilty of Rajput’s murder and of attempting to conceal his body. district judge Arvind Mishra said, “There is no place in a civilised society for such crimes While delivering the verdict. The prosecution has sought the maximum punishment, and Chaubey said the court is competent to award the death penalty, though the final decision rests with the judge.
Muskan and Sahil, who are lodged in a local jail, joined Wednesday’s hearing virtually. Saurabh’s mother and brother were present in the courtroom when the verdict was pronounced.