Saurabh Rajput murder: Custody battle for daughter intensifies between families of slain ex-merchant navy officer, accused wife Muskan Rastogi

Krishna Chaudhary / TNN / Updated: Apr 5, 2025, 18:00 IST

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Six-year-old Pihu’s future is uncertain as a custody battle ensues between the families of her deceased father, ex-merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, and her accused mother, Muskan Rastogi. While her maternal grandparents care for her, her paternal uncle seeks legal custody. Muskan allegedly murdered Saurabh with her lover, making the situation even more complex.

Saurabh Rajput murder: Custody battle for daughter intensifies between families of slain ex-merchant navy officer, accused wife Muskan Rastogi

MEERUT: The murder of 29-year-old former merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput has sparked a bitter custody battle over his six-year-old daughter, Pihu. The child, oblivious to the grim reality, continues to believe her parents are simply away on a vacation.
Currently staying with her maternal grandparents, Pihu has been told that her parents are on a trip to London and will return soon.
“She still asks for her mother and father,�?said a family member, adding that the grandparents are doing everything they can to protect her from the trauma.
But behind the scenes, emotions are running high. While both families struggle to come to terms with the gruesome killing, a new dispute has emerged �?over who gets to raise Pihu.

Muskan’s father, Pramod Rastogi, insisted that his family isn’t interested in Saurabh’s assets. “We have no claim over his property or bank accounts. I am even ready to give it in writing. But we cannot let Pihu be taken from us. She is like life to us,�?he said.
Meanwhile, Saurabh’s elder brother, Rohit Rajput, has vowed to seek custody through legal channels. “I don’t have a daughter. Pihu is Saurabh’s only child and I am her uncle. Raising her would help us feel Saurabh’s presence. We will move court for her custody,�?he said.
The murder that tore the families apart took place on March 4, when Muskan and her lover Sahil allegedly drugged Saurabh, killed him, dismembered his body, and stuffed the remains in a drum before escaping to the hills.

About the Author

Krishna Chaudhary

Krishna Chaudhary, a graduate in mass communication is a Meerut-based reporter covering the sugar belt of Western Uttar Pradesh. He loves to write on crime & politics.

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