“Ladki hi badtameez thi humari”, mother of daughter who killed her husband says: The need to identify red flags in children even after their marriage

The parents of Muskaan Rastogi, who has been allegedly arrested for the killing her husband Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput, have said it was their daughter who is at fault. Muskaan's parents, Pramod Kumar Rastogi and Kavita Rastogi, are standing firmly with their son-in-law's family for justice to be delivered.
For the unversed, Muskaan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla murdered the former's husband Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput. After the murder, the duo chopped up his body into 15 pieces and sealed them with cement.
Muskaan's parents made no attempts to defend their daughter. On the contrary, they said she must receive the harshest punishment for doing this to Saurabh, who loved her "blindly", NDTV reported. It was her parents who got her arrested after she confessed to killing her husband.
While this case stands out as Muskaan's parents remain firm and refuse to side with the murderer, even though she is their daughter, it also emphasizes a crucial aspect of parenting—recognizing red flags.
Raising emotionally stable children requires patience, guidance, and a nurturing environment. Parental influence does not end when a child gets married. Even in adulthood, emotional stability plays a crucial role in preventing extreme behaviors, including criminal tendencies. Parents can continue guiding their children in positive ways without interfering in their married life.
First, maintaining open communication is essential. Parents should provide a safe space for their children to discuss their emotions, struggles, and conflicts without judgment. Encouraging healthy conversations about anger, stress, and relationships helps prevent bottled-up frustrations from leading to violence.
Second, reinforcing values and empathy ensures that children continue practicing emotional regulation. Parents can remind them about the importance of respect, patience, and conflict resolution in their marriage and social interactions.
Third, leading by example remains vital. Parents should model healthy emotional responses in their own relationships, showing their children how to handle disagreements maturely without resorting to aggression.
Fourth, encouraging professional help when needed can make a significant difference. If an adult child struggles with anger issues, depression, or violent tendencies, parents can guide them toward therapy or counseling instead of ignoring warning signs.