Eerie Room Painting, Manipulation, Isolation: Meerut Murder Accused Exhibits ‘A Disturbed Mind’

In what is being called one of the most brutal crimes in Meerut’s history, Pandey, along with his lover Muskaan Rastogi-Saurabh’s own wife-meticulously plotted and executed a chilling act of violence that has sent shockwaves across the nation.

To unravel the psychological depths of this heinous crime, News18 spoke to Dr Manini Srivastava, head of the department of psychology at the University of Lucknow, who described Pandey as a “deeply disturbed individual” and said: “The occult appears to have significantly influenced his actions, trapping him in a web of delusions and dark obsessions.”

Eerie Room Painting: A Room That Revealed a Disturbed Mind

Pandey’s world was discovered when police broke open his 10 x 12 room in Meerut’s Indirapuram locality. His room, dimly lit and adorned with unsettling paintings, was the reflection of his dark psyche. The walls were adorned with symbols of Mahakal, Shree Yantra, and ominous figures drawn in red and black ink. A chilling painting depicted a lone, seated girl, while another scrawled message read, “You can’t trip with us.”

Among the eerie artworks was a depiction of hands holding a cigarette with the words “Puff Puff Pass”, indicating possible substance abuse. An ashtray with skeletal designs, remnants of cigarette butts, and narcotics suggested an environment steeped in addiction and delusions.

As investigators combed through the space, they found an ashtray decorated with a skeleton motif, multiple cigarette butts, beer bottles, and traces of marijuana. An old wooden table in the corner was stacked with books, framed sketches, and personal memorabilia. Draped on one of the chairs was a saffron-coloured dupatta inscribed with Mahakaal, a symbol of his self-styled spiritual identity.

Pandey, who once lived a seemingly normal life, had undergone a radical transformation in the past two years-growing long hair and wearing loose kurta-pajamas.

Eerie Room Painting: Transformation To A Troubled Mind

Neighbours recall a time when Pandey was just another boy in the locality. A former student of Vivekananda School, he grew up in this house with his grandmother. His mother had passed away 18 years ago, and his father worked in Greater Noida. His elder brother, settled in London, and younger siblings in Delhi, were largely absent from his life. Over time, Pandey became increasingly reclusive, avoiding people and immersing himself in mysticism.

“He was once a regular boy, but something changed in him two years ago,” a neighbour, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told News18. “He started growing his hair, wearing those loose-fitting clothes with Hindu deities printed on them, and keeping odd hours. He hardly spoke to anyone, and if he did, it was about things we couldn’t understand-mysticism, energies, the universe. He was obsessed with Mahakaal and used to say he was searching for siddhi.”

Another resident recalled how Pandey spent most of his time indoors, often working on his computer. “We never saw him work, but we knew he was financially supported by his father and brother. He claimed to be preparing for the CA exams, but we never saw any evidence of that.”

His grandmother, Premvati, admitted she knew little about his activities. “He would sit at his computer all day, reading something. I knew he drank alcohol, but I didn’t know about the drugs. I was away on a pilgrimage when all this happened,” she said.

Eerie Room Painting: ‘A Dangerous Cocktail of Manipulation and Delusions’

According to Dr Srivastava, the murder case presents an unsettling mix of psychological manipulation, delusional beliefs, and substance abuse.

“Pandey was not an ordinary criminal. His deeply ingrained belief in the occult played a significant role in this crime. When combined with substance abuse, such delusions can become increasingly reinforced,” she explained.

Wall painting in accused Sahil Pandey’s room. (News18)The psychologist highlighted how Muskaan Rastogi manipulated Pandey, exploiting his spiritual obsessions. “Reports suggest that Muskaan created fake Snapchat accounts, pretending to be his deceased mother, persuading him that killing Saurabh was a divine act. This level of psychological manipulation, when aimed at an individual already struggling with delusions, can be extremely dangerous.”

Pandey’s detachment from reality was evident in his actions after the crime. Instead of panicking, he carefully planned the disposal of the officer’s body, searching online for ways to eliminate evidence. “This indicates traits of antisocial personality disorder, where individuals lack remorse and can engage in extreme violence without emotional distress,” Srivastava added.

Muskaan’s role in the murder further highlighted the dangerous dynamic between the two. “Pandey convinced her that she needed to kill her husband herself for their new life to begin. This manipulation, combined with possible drug use, created a situation where she complied with his orders without hesitation,” she added.

Eerie Room Painting: The Crime

On the night of March 3, Pandey and Muskaan Rastogi allegedly lured Saurabh Rastogi into their home, where the gruesome act unfolded. Pandey handed Muskaan a butcher’s knife, instructing her to stab her husband in the chest three times while he was in deep sleep, under the influence of drugs. When she hesitated, he guided her hands, forcing the knife into Saurabh’s body, the cops investigating the case said.

After confirming he was dead, the duo dragged his body into the bathroom. “Pandey methodically severed the head and hands, while Muskaan fetched plastic bags she had purchased earlier. They attempted to clean up the crime scene with bleach but were ultimately unable to dispose of the body in time,” he added. Police investigations later revealed that even while on vacation in Shimla, the couple had been searching online for ways to dissolve human remains.

Eerie Room Painting: The Investigation

The crime unravelled when local workers refused to carry a suspiciously heavy plastic drum from Muskaan’s home. Investigators soon uncovered Pandey’s digital footprint, revealing his online searches and his deep involvement in the occult. His laptop, seized by authorities, contained disturbing content related to dark rituals and body disposal methods.

“Pandey’s case is a testament to how unchecked psychological distress, manipulative relationships, and substance abuse can culminate in horrific violence,” Srivastava concluded. “It is a stark reminder of the need for mental health awareness and early intervention in such cases,” she said.

With the duo now in police custody, the investigation continues. Authorities are delving deeper into Pandey’s occult activities, searching for potential links to other crimes or groups that may have influenced his actions.PM Modi to visit Sri Lanka on April 5: President Dissanayake in Parliament