Meerut One of the main suspects in the heinous murder of her husband, Saurabh Rajput, Muskaan Rastogi, has asked for a government-appointed attorney after her family declined to back her legal defense.

Muskaan, who is currently being held in Meerut District Jail, requested legal assistance from the state on Saturday from the Jail Superintendent.

Sahil Shukla, her partner and co-accused, has not yet determined whether he need a government attorney.

Jail Superintendent Veeresh Raj Sharma told IANS, “New inmates are first housed separately in the new inmates’ barrack for security reasons. Muskaan asked to meet with me yesterday. She told me that her family was furious and would not support her when we first met. She has thus requested a government attorney.

“Every prisoner is entitled to legal assistance under prison reform legislation. We are required to give a private attorney to inmates who cannot afford one. The honorable court is been notified of her request. Sahil was questioned about legal counsel as well, but he hasn’t made up his mind yet. If his family doesn’t provide a lawyer, he said, he could choose to get one from the government.

Furthermore, it has been stated that Sahil and Muskaan are both experiencing severe symptoms of drug withdrawal. They are “demanding injections” and have strong marijuana appetites, according to jail authorities.

“A lot of people who are incarcerated have drug addictions. Under mine and the doctor’s direction, we have a de-addiction center where we provide yoga, meditation, counseling, and physical therapy. Jail Superintendent Sharma said, “Medical treatment is also provided to manage withdrawal symptoms.”

During the accused’s examination, signs of drug addiction were discovered. In addition to giving them medication, attempts are being made to rehabilitate them via counseling and therapy in ten to fifteen days,” he said.

Muskaan and Sahil killed Saurabh Rajput on March 4 in Meerut by stabbing him, mutilating his corpse, and sealing the remains inside a drum filled with cement.

After the crime, the pair deceived Saurabh’s relatives by sending texts from his phone while on vacation in Himachal Pradesh. Muskaan’s confession to her mother, who subsequently informed the police, made the case public on March 18.