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Prime accused Muskan Rastogi was tested in judicial custody after she started complaining of nausea, frequent vomiting and physical discomfort – all signs of an early pregnancy
A woman doctor from the district women’s hospital visited the jail and confirmed through initial tests that prime accused Muskan Rastogi is pregnant. (Image: PTI/File)
In a twist to the sensational Meerut murder case, Muskan Rastogi – accused of killing her husband with the help of her lover – was confirmed to be pregnant. She was tested in judicial custody after she started complaining of nausea, frequent vomiting and physical discomfort – all signs of an early pregnancy.
Muskan’s test results have sent shockwaves through the jail administration with investigators saying her pregnancy could potentially impact the legal trajectory of the high-profile murder case. She and co-accused Sahil, her alleged lover, were arrested on March 19 for conspiring to kill her husband Saurabh.
Since their arrest, they both have been lodged in separate barracks at the Meerut district jail. On April 5, she complained of nausea, frequent vomiting, and physical discomfort. Jail authorities immediately sought medical consultation.
On Monday, a woman doctor from the district women’s hospital visited the jail and confirmed through initial tests that Muskan is indeed pregnant. “Muskan’s pregnancy has been confirmed through primary testing,” said Dr Ashok Kataria, chief medical officer of Meerut.
He said she has been given supplements to support her health. But, only an ultrasound will determine how long she has been pregnant.
Dr Sarita Tyagi, a senior gynaecologist from Meerut, said: “It’s not uncommon for pregnancies to go unnoticed in the first few weeks, especially in stressful environments like jail. In many cases, pregnancy becomes evident only in the second or third month.”
According to sources in the jail administration, Muskan has not yet revealed how far along she is in her pregnancy. She is one of two pregnant female inmates. “Tests for both Muskan and another inmate, Sangeeta, have come positive. We’ve advised ultrasounds for further clarity,” said Dr Kataria.
Senior jail superintendent Dr Viresh Raj Sharma said further medical tests have been prescribed, but these will be conducted outside the prison facility. “Due to the lack of in-house equipment for certain advanced tests, we have referred Muskan for external diagnostics,” he said, citing privacy norms while refusing to disclose the exact nature of the prescribed tests.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CASE?
Officials investigating the case said the accused woman’s pregnancy could potentially impact the legal trajectory of the matter. According to law, courts have granted bail to pregnant inmates on humanitarian grounds in previous high-profile cases. In judgments by the Delhi and Bombay high courts, it has been noted that giving birth in jail is often not in the best interest of either mother or child.
“In light of her medical condition, Muskan could apply for bail or seek leniency under special provisions,” said a senior lawyer linked to the case. “Her pregnancy adds a layer of emotional and legal complexity.”
Sahil’s 80-year-old grandmother Premvati, meanwhile, visited him again on April 7. She had earlier visited on March 26, bringing him food and clothes but no family member has visited Muskan so far, jail sources said.
On April 2, during the virtual court hearing, Muskan and Sahil came face to face for the first time after their arrest. Officials said it was a brief but emotionally charged encounter and both were escorted to the video conferencing room. Eyewitnesses, including jail staff, described the moment as “highly emotional”.
“Muskan broke down on seeing Sahil. Her eyes welled up,” said a jail staffer on condition of anonymity. “They tried to reach out to each other and even attempted to speak, but were stopped by the wardens.”
The two were pulled away after the judge extended their judicial custody till April 15. Muskan reportedly pleaded with the female constables, saying, “We are husband and wife… we’ve been married. Please let us talk.” But, the authorities declined citing the lack of documentary proof of their marriage.
WHAT IS THE CASE?
Muskan and Sahil were arrested after the body parts of her husband Saurabh, a merchant navy officer, were found sealed with cement inside a drum. After allegedly killing him, the accused fled to Himachal Pradesh, where they reportedly got married and spent their honeymoon.
The police said the motive behind the murder was not occult practice, as initially suspected but an illicit love affair. “Muskan had eloped with Sahil before. When Saurabh discovered this, he had decided to divorce her. A community panchayat was held, but relations remained strained,” said a police official, adding, “eventually, Muskaan and Sahil conspired to kill him.” The chargesheet, nearing completion, reportedly holds both Muskan and Sahil equally accountable.
Amid this tangled web of betrayal, murder, and now pregnancy, one thing is certain: Muskan’s medical condition has not only altered the emotional tone of the case but has also placed the jail administration and legal authorities in a moral and procedural quandary.
- Location :
Meerut, India, India