Death Row Mother's Baby: Mumbai Influencer Fights for Custody
Mumbai influencer Faizan Ansari has petitioned a Meerut court for custody of 10-month-old Radha, daughter of death row convict Muskan.
In a surprising turn of events following a gruesome murder trial, Mumbai-based social media influencer Faizan Ansari has stepped forward to seek custody of a 10-month-old infant whose mother is currently facing the gallows. Ansari has formally petitioned a court in Meerut to take full responsibility for the child, Radha, the daughter of convict Muskan.
A Child Caught in a Legal Storm
The infant, also referred to as Mannat, was born on November 24, 2025. Her life has been marked by tragedy and legal turmoil from the start. Currently, the baby resides with her mother, Muskan, inside the Meerut district jail. This arrangement follows the harrowing legal battle where Muskan and her partner, Sahil, were sentenced to death on October 14, 2026, for the murder of Saurabh Rajput.
While Muskan's older daughter, Pihu, is already under the care of her maternal grandparents, the fate of the youngest child remained uncertain until Ansari's intervention.
The Influencer's Pledge
Faizan Ansari travelled to Meerut specifically to initiate this legal process. After meeting with District Government Counsel (DGC) K.K. Choubey, he filed an application in the District Judge's court. Ansari's petition is not merely about guardianship but a comprehensive commitment to the child's future.
According to the application, Ansari is willing to assume total responsibility for:
- The child's overall upbringing and daily care.
- Her entire educational journey.
- All health-related expenses.
- Future financial needs, including her marriage.
Ansari has clarified that his desire to provide a stable and nurturing environment for the child is entirely separate from the judicial proceedings. He has emphasized that his request does not intend to interfere with the death sentence handed down to Muskan.
The Legal Hurdle: Welfare vs. Rights
The path to custody is far from simple. DGC K.K. Choubey has pointed out that the adoption process is complex and must adhere to strict legal protocols, which include obtaining maternal consent.
However, the legal landscape offers a window of possibility. Legal experts highlight that custody decisions are primarily governed by the "welfare of the child" principle. Under Section 13 of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, courts possess the authority to prioritize the child's best interests over the traditional rights of the parents.
This legal stance has been reinforced by recent precedents set by the Allahabad High Court, which has previously ruled in favor of the child's welfare in cases where parents were accused of serious crimes.
A Family's Refusal
The situation is further complicated by the grief of the victim's family. Reports indicate that the family of the murdered man, Saurabh Rajput, has declined to adopt the child, leaving the court to determine who is best suited to raise the infant as her mother awaits the execution of her sentence.