Akash examines Saurabh Rajput’s brutal murder, orchestrated by his wife and her lover, and reveals a chilling tale of betrayal and occult influence, exclusively for Different Truths.

The brutal murder of merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput has shocked the nation, highlighting not only a tragic case of betrayal but also the disturbing influence of satanic and occult beliefs. His wife, Muskan Rastogi, and her lover, Sahil Shukla, are accused of carrying out a meticulously planned crime, dismembering Saurabh’s body and sealing the remains in a cement-filled drum to hide the evidence.

What makes this case particularly chilling is the alleged involvement of black magic, superstition, and satanic rituals in manipulating the perpetrators into committing such a heinous act. This article examines the case in detail, exploring how sinister beliefs influenced the accused and analysing the broader negative effects of satanic practices on individuals and society.

The Shocking Crime

Saurabh Rajput, a 35-year-old merchant navy officer, had returned from London on February 24 to surprise his wife on her birthday. Unbeknownst to him, he was walking into a deadly conspiracy. Muskan and Sahil had been planning his murder since November [according to SP (City) Ayush Vikram Singh], allegedly using satanic symbols and rituals to psychologically control and prepare for the crime.

Discovery of the Murder

Saurabh had been missing since March 4. The horrifying crime came to light when labourers were called to move a heavy blue drum from the couple’s rented house. When they struggled with its weight, one of them asked Muskan about its contents, to which she casually replied that it was “house junk.” However, when the lid accidentally opened, a foul smell filled the air. Sensing something sinister, they immediately alerted the police.

Upon investigation, authorities discovered Saurabh’s dismembered remains inside the drum, encased in cement. His body had been chopped into multiple pieces, revealing the gruesome extent of the crime.

The Role of Satanic Influence in the Crime

One of the most disturbing aspects of this case is the alleged role of occult practices and satanic influence in driving Sahil and Muskan towards the crime. 

Satanic Symbols and Graffiti in Sahil’s Room

Investigators found Sahil’s room covered with eerie graffiti, tantric symbols, and satanic drawings. Cryptic English phrases and images of Lord Shiva were also discovered, hinting at his deep obsession with the occult.

Manipulation Through Occult Beliefs

Muskan reportedly exploited Sahil’s deep-seated beliefs to gain control over him. She created fake Snapchat messages, posing as Sahil’s deceased mother, and convinced him that she had reincarnated and was giving him instructions. She made Sahil believe that eliminating Saurabh was a divine act, further reinforcing his conviction.

The Psychological Impact of Satanic Practices

Satanic practices have long been associated with disturbing psychological effects, often leading individuals down a path of delusion, violence, and moral corruption.

1.     Loss of Rational Thinking: One of the most alarming effects of engaging in satanic rituals is the erosion of rational thought. People immersed in these practices often detach themselves from reality, believing in supernatural guidance or signs. In this case, Sahil was manipulated into believing that his deceased mother was speaking to him, which ultimately drove him to commit murder.

2.     Desensitisation to Violence: Many satanic rituals involve blood offerings, animal sacrifices, or self-harm, desensitising individuals to violence. Over time, their perceptions of pain and suffering diminish, making them more likely to engage in extreme acts without remorse. The brutal nature of Saurabh’s murder—stabbing, dismemberment, and sealing the body in cement—suggests a total loss of empathy.

3. Manipulation and Exploitation: Satanic practices can be weaponised by manipulative individuals to control vulnerable people. In this case, Muskan used Sahil’s gullibility and his grief over his mother’s death to turn him into a tool for her sinister motives.

Social and Legal Consequences of Satanic Practices

Beyond individual psychological effects, satanic practices pose a broader threat to society by fostering crime, breaking families, and instilling fear.

1. Rising Crime Rates: Occult-related crimes are becoming alarmingly common worldwide. Cases of ritualistic killings, human sacrifices, and black magic-driven murders have been reported in various parts of India and beyond. Such practices, if not curbed, could contribute to increasing violence in society.

2.     Breakdown of Family and Moral Values: People involved in satanic practices often isolate themselves from their families, distancing themselves from moral and ethical obligations. In this case, Muskan not only betrayed her husband but also abandoned their child in pursuit of her desires. Her parents have now disowned her, highlighting the devastating consequences of her actions. 

3  Fear and Superstition: When crimes linked to satanic practices come to light, they create widespread fear and fuel superstitious beliefs. Instead of rational explanations, communities may turn to blind faith or paranoia, further promoting irrational fear rather than addressing the root causes of such behaviours. Some of the occult practitioners may get motivated by such events. 

Legal Actions and Demands for Justice

Following their arrest, Muskan and Sahil were charged with murder and destruction of evidence. However, the case has triggered nationwide outrage, with Saurabh’s grieving family demanding the death penalty for both.

Parents’ Reactions and Public Sentiment

Even Muskan’s parents have disowned her, condemning her actions and calling for the strictest punishment. “She has lost the right to live,” her father stated. This rare instance of parents disowning their daughter, reflects the severity of the crime and the level of public anger it has generated.

The Need for Strict Laws Against Occult-Driven Crimes

This case highlights the urgent need for legal frameworks to address crimes influenced by satanic or occult beliefs. While laws against murder and conspiracy exist, additional legal provisions should be implemented to prevent the spread of harmful practices that manipulate individuals into committing heinous crimes.

Famous Quotes on Evil and Manipulation

The following quotes help shed light on the dangers of giving in to dark and manipulative influences:

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke

“Men are more easily governed through their vices than through their virtues.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

Just as Muskan manipulated Sahil’s weaknesses, many criminals exploit others’ vulnerabilities for their gain.

“Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it.” – Jonathan Swift

This resonates with the way Muskan kept up the illusion that Saurabh was alive by sending messages from his phone.

The murder of Saurabh Rajput is a tragic reminder of how dangerous satanic beliefs and occult practices can be when they fall into the wrong hands. What initially seemed like an affair-driven crime turned out to be a chilling example of manipulation through superstition and black magic.

While it is important to respect diverse spiritual beliefs, society must remain vigilant against practices that lead individuals to commit atrocities in the name of supernatural forces. Stricter laws, better psychological counselling, and awareness campaigns against occult-driven crimes are essential to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Saurabh’s murder was not just a crime of passion—it was a crime fuelled by dark ideologies, manipulation, and a complete loss of morality. It serves as a stark warning about the dangers of allowing irrational beliefs to dictate human actions, leading to consequences that destroy lives and leave families shattered forever.

Important timeline of this case

2016: Saurabh and Muskan married.

2019: Their firstborn, daughter. Muskan’s relationship with her school friend Sahil gets deeper.

2023: Saurabh moved to London for work.

Sources:

Times of India articles of the following dates: 19^th March, 2025; 20^th March, 2025; 21^st March, 2025

Hindustan Times article of 19^th March, 2025

The Hindu article of 21^st March, 2025

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Akash Paul

Akash Paul, a renowned criminologist and author of two globally acclaimed textbooks, pioneered post-crime analysis in criminology. His expertise spans criminal profiling, economic behaviours, and sexual offenses, with notable contributions to crime prevention strategies. An insightful critic of contemporary society, he also writes poetry, short stories, and novels, blending creativity with profound societal analysis.

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