Naresh Bhatt murder trial in Virginia

The murder trial of Naresh Bhatt has commenced in Prince William County, Virginia. Bhatt is accused of the first-degree murder, dismemberment, and concealment of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a pediatric nurse who disappeared in July 2024. Although investigators discovered bloodstains and a power saw containing hair fragments in the couple’s home, the victim’s body has not been recovered.

As the trial progressed, prosecutors presented forensic and digital evidence, including cellphone records and Tesla vehicle tracking data. An FBI expert testified that while the couple was often in the same vicinity, there were instances where Mamta’s phone remained stationary while Naresh’s vehicle traveled to Chantilly. Forensic scientists also testified regarding DNA evidence and reddish-brown stains found inside a Ryobi saw.

The defense has challenged the investigation, questioning the reliability of surveillance video timestamps, the limitations of chemical blood tests, and the inability of scientists to definitively determine when or how DNA and blood were deposited on the evidence. Bhatt has pleaded not guilty.