Blue Drum Murder: Faizan Ansari Seeks Court Permission to Raise Muskan’s Daughter

A Mumbai-based social media influencer has approached a court in Meerut seeking permission to take responsibility for the education and upbringing of Mannat alias Radha, the 10-month-old daughter of Muskan, who was sentenced to death for murdering her husband and concealing his body in a cement-filled blue drum.

Influencer Faizan Ansari told local media on Wednesday that he had filed an application before a district court, expressing his willingness to bear the expenses of raising the child, including her education, healthcare and future marriage.

Ansari also said he was prepared to have his financial capacity assessed to establish his ability to fulfil the responsibility.

District Government Counsel K K Chaubey said any decision concerning the child's future would have to take into account her mother's wishes and the applicable legal provisions.

He clarified that filing an application did not automatically entitle Ansari to the child's custody or guardianship. However, a proposal to provide financial assistance to the child through the district administration could be considered in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

According to police, Muskan was pregnant when she was arrested in March 2025 for the murder of her husband, Saurabh Rajput, and subsequently gave birth to the child in jail.

Ansari's offer comes amid uncertainty over who will take responsibility for the infant's care and upbringing. According to reports, Rajput's mother, Renu Devi, has categorically refused to look after the child.

Muskan and her alleged lover, Sahil, were arrested in March 2025 in connection with Rajput's murder. The prosecution alleged that the two killed Rajput, dismembered his body and concealed the remains in a blue drum filled with cement.

On October 14, a local court sentenced both Muskan and Sahil to death in the case.

The court will have to consider the relevant legal provisions before deciding on Ansari's application concerning the child's future care.