Meerut Murder: Accused Sahil Used Saurabh Rajput's Money for IPL Betting And To Fund His Gambling Habits

Sahil Shukla, one of the two prime accused in the murder of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, allegedly used the victim's money to fund his gambling addiction, police sources have revealed. Shukla was reportedly involved in betting on cricket matches, using the winnings to finance a lavish lifestyle for himself and Muskan Rastogi-Saurabh's wife and the other accused in the case.

Sahil's Betting Network Under Investigation

According to reports, Sahil placed bets through unidentified bookies, whose identities are now under investigation. The money he won was allegedly spent on trips to Rishikesh and Dehradun with Muskan. Neighbors claimed that Sahil had no stable job and primarily relied on his gambling earnings to sustain his lifestyle.

Sahil Used Saurabh's Money for IPL Betting

Police sources revealed that Saurabh regularly transferred around ₹1 lakh per month to Muskan for her and their daughter's expenses. Each time she received the funds, she reportedly informed Sahil, who then used the money to place bets on cricket matches. Investigators have also discovered that Sahil had been betting on IPL matches for years and was preparing to place more wagers for the upcoming season before his arrest.

Superintendent of Police (City) Ayush Vikram Singh stated, "While working in London, Saurabh frequently sent money to Muskan for her expenses. Just before his murder, he had transferred ₹1 lakh to her account." Police are now further investigating Sahil's gambling activities and plan to include these findings in their probe during his remand.

Murder Conspiracy Planned Months in Advance

Interrogations with Sahil and Muskan revealed that they had conspired to kill Saurabh as early as November last year. The accused allegedly planned every detail, from gathering materials to executing the crime.

As the probe deepens, police have identified nine individuals linked to the case, including four shopkeepers, a doctor, a chemist, a cab driver, a tenant, and an account holder who received money transfers. So far, seven of these suspects have been questioned, and further inquiries are underway.

Saurabh's Mother Seeks Justice, Appeals for Death Penalty

Saurabh Rajput's mother, Renu Devi, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure a thorough investigation and demanded capital punishment for the accused.

"I want justice. I want the culprits to receive the death penalty. I appeal to PM Modi and CM Yogi for a fair probe-whether by the crime branch or CBI-I need to know the full truth behind my son's murder," she said.

She also expressed concerns for her granddaughter's safety, stating that since Saurabh's murder, they have not been allowed to see the child. "We want custody of our granddaughter. If Muskan could kill her husband, what is stopping her from harming the little girl?" she added.

Muskan's Parents Also Demand Capital Punishment

In a shocking turn, Muskan's parents have also called for the harshest punishment for their daughter.

"When Muskan and I were on our way to the police station, I asked her to tell me the truth. She admitted that she and a friend had killed her husband," Muskan's father revealed. "I took her to the police station and asked her to confess. The verdict should come quickly, and nothing less than capital punishment should be given. My son-in-law deserves justice."

Saurabh, who was working in the merchant navy, was allegedly murdered by Muskan and Sahil on March 4. His body was brutally hacked, dumped in a drum, and covered with cement to conceal the crime.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to unravel the full extent of Sahil and Muskan's involvement, along with any additional accomplices.