The family of Muskan Rastogi, the prime suspect in the "blue drum murder case" that captured national attention in March, is reportedly preparing to leave their home in Meerut after enduring months of social isolation. The family has allegedly put a 'for sale' sign on their house, signaling their intention to leave the city where they have lived for many years.
Muskan Rastogi, 28, stands accused of murdering her husband, Saurabh Rajput, a former merchant navy officer, and concealing his dismembered remains inside a cement-filled blue drum. The body was discovered at their Meerut home on March 19, after Rastogi and her lover, Sahil Shukla, returned from a trip to Himachal Pradesh. Both are currently incarcerated in Meerut jail.
According to local sources, the Rastogi family has faced increasing ostracism since the incident. Pramod Rastogi, Muskan's father, stated that the family no longer wishes to reside in Meerut due to the painful memories associated with the city and the social boycott they have experienced. He noted that even simple interactions have ceased, and their family's businesses have suffered. Muskan's sister lost her job, and her tutoring business collapsed as parents no longer wished to send their children to her.
Neighbors have reported a change in the family's behavior following the murder. One resident claimed to have witnessed Pramod Rastogi mistreating stray dogs. Another resident expressed that many have stopped communicating with the family out of fear of being implicated in the investigation.
The "blue drum murder case" has had a chilling effect beyond the immediate tragedy, impacting local businesses and perceptions. Following the discovery of Saurabh Rajput's body inside a blue drum, traders have reported a significant drop in the sales of blue drums. Some vendors are now requesting identification from buyers, while others, like juice sellers, are switching to white drums to avoid any association with the crime. The incident has transformed an ordinary object into a symbol of fear and suspicion, highlighting how a single act of violence can reshape economic activities and social norms.
Similar incidents of social boycotts against families accused of murder have been reported in other parts of India. In March 2025, a village panchayat in Koderma district, Jharkhand, announced a social boycott against a family facing murder charges related to a property dispute. Similarly, in Dasua district, a caste council imposed a social boycott on the families of three men accused of murdering a student over a Holi-related dispute. These boycotts often involve severing all ties with the accused families, including barring them from communal activities.
