Sarab Rajput and Anya Disappearance Involving Muskan and Sahil Shukla, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
This source-based behavioral analysis does not establish a clinical diagnosis, motive, or legal finding.
This case involves complex relationship dynamics marked by infidelity, manipulation, drug addiction, and escalating domestic conflict culminating in a premeditated murder. The psychological pathway reflects emotional distress, betrayal, and coercive control within the marital relationship and the involvement of a third party influenced by superstition.
Sarab and Muskan's marriage began with hope but deteriorated due to Sarab's frequent absences and Muskan's growing dissatisfaction. Muskan's affair with Sahil introduced drug abuse and manipulation, eroding trust and emotional bonds. Family pressures and attempts at reconciliation failed to restore the relationship, leading to fatal violence.
The pathway escalated from marital dissatisfaction and infidelity to drug addiction and psychological manipulation of a third party, culminating in a planned and executed murder. Attempts at reconciliation were undermined by withdrawal and escalating conflict.
Each entry separates the reported behavior or state from the analytical strength of the available narration.
| Behavior / construct | Person / subject | Detailed case context | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marital dissatisfaction Relationship stressor | Muskan SuspectWife of the victim |
Muskan expressed boredom and dissatisfaction with her married life, leading to emotional withdrawal and neglect of family duties. Context or trigger: Sarab's frequent long trips and perceived boring life Reported expression: Withdrawal from family, distancing from husband and daughter |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Infidelity or competing attachment Relationship stressor | Muskan SuspectWife of the victim |
Muskan began an extramarital relationship with Sahil, which further distanced her from Sarab and contributed to marital breakdown. Context or trigger: Dissatisfaction and loneliness in marriage Reported expression: Affair with Sahil and secret financial support |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Coercive control Control dynamics | Muskan SuspectWife of the victim |
Muskan exerted control by drugging Sarab to weaken him and orchestrating the murder with Sahil. Context or trigger: Planning murder with Sahil Reported expression: Psychological manipulation and drugging Sarab |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Family opposition or interference Family dynamics | Sarab's family |
Sarab’s parents expressed concern about Muskan and urged Sarab to reconsider divorce for their daughter’s sake; later devastated by the murder. Context or trigger: Discovery of marital problems and murder Reported expression: Emotional distress and intervention attempts |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Emotional escalation Escalation | Muskan SuspectWife of the victim |
Following the affair discovery, trust was broken, leading to emotional distancing and eventual violent planning. Context or trigger: Affair discovery and loss of trust Reported expression: Coldness, withdrawal, and planning murder |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Suicidal ideation or behavior Suicidal behavior | Muskan SuspectWife of the victim |
Muskan visited a doctor claiming depression and obtained sedatives, which she used to drug Sarab. Context or trigger: Depression claim and drug use Reported expression: Claimed depression and obtained sedatives |
Explicitly reported Confidence: Moderate |
| Family-system conflict Family dynamics | Muskan SuspectWife of the victim |
Sarab’s father initially objected to the marriage; both families were involved in the investigation and trial. Context or trigger: Marriage objections and post-murder reactions Reported expression: Parental concerns and testimonies against Muskan |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
Select a stage to expand it; scroll horizontally to follow the full sequence.
Muskan married Sarab in 2016; early years included Sarab's frequent travel and Muskan's initial care for family, but she felt lonely and bored.
From 2020, Muskan began an affair with Sahil and developed drug addiction, leading to withdrawal from family life.
Sarab learned of the affair in 2021, confronted Muskan, and prepared for divorce; family urged reconciliation.
Muskan manipulated Sahil through fake social media accounts to convince him to kill Sarab.
They planned the murder from late 2023, practiced stabbing, and drugged Sarab before killing and dismembering him in March 2024.
After the murder, they traveled and acted normally until Sarab was reported missing; police investigation led to their arrest and confession.
Arrows show the sequence described in the source narrative; they do not prove that one psychological state caused the next event.
Analysis is based on reported facts from a single source video transcript without clinical assessments. Psychological constructs are inferred from narrative descriptions and may lack clinical validation.