A man testified that he dismembered his wife after discovering her dead in their bedroom at their home in Manassas Park, Virginia, in July 2024, as part of a high profile murder case.
Naresh Bhatt, who took the stand on November 5th, stated he found his wife’s body on the bedroom floor, covered in vomit and appearing unconscious, with blood, food particles, and pill capsules nearby.
He believed his wife may have died from poisoning and mentioned an open packet of Celphos, a strong agricultural fumigant, found on the floor. However, prosecutors argue that Naresh murdered his wife before dismembering her, and her body has not been located.
Naresh Claims He Tried to Help Her
Naresh claimed he attempted to assist his wife. “I touched her, tried to talk to her, and performed CPR. I even tried mouth to mouth and offered her water,” he said. This lasted about 30 minutes to an hour, but she did not respond.
“Why didn’t you call emergency services?” his defense asked. “I was scared. I don’t know why I didn’t call. I was in a panic,” he replied, admitting he feared being blamed for her apparent suicide.
Bhatt Admits to Dismembering His Wife
A crucial part of his testimony was Naresh admitting he dismembered his wife to dispose of her body. He initially moved her from the bedroom to the bathroom while trying to help her. After taking their baby daughter to a babysitter, he returned home and contemplated how to dispose of her body.
He visited stores like Home Depot to find tools. Eventually, he tried to put her in a bin but realized she wouldn’t fit, prompting him to cut her up. He struggled with cutting her legs off due to a lack of strength and used a saw and knives, continuing into the next day. He eventually placed her remains in multiple bags and discarded them.
Prosecutors Question His Story
This marked a significant change from his initial claims about his wife’s disappearance. When Mamta went missing in August 2024, Naresh told investigators he didn’t know her where abouts and suggested she may have left for another state. However, during his testimony, he admitted to finding her body and disposing of it.
During cross examination, prosecutor Matthew Sweet confronted him, stating, “You’re a liar.” Naresh acknowledged he had previously lied, causing a stir in the courtroom that required the judge to restore order. Mamta’s family and supporters expressed their anger at his statements.
Prosecution Presents Evidence
The prosecution has provided several pieces of evidence. Investigators found large amounts of blood in the main bedroom and bathroom, with a forensic expert stating that most of the blood on the bedroom carpet likely belonged to Mamta. Evidence suggested the carpet had been cleaned and the bed moved to conceal bloodstains.
They also discovered a power saw with hair, which has become a key piece of evidence, and presented CCTV footage showing Naresh disposing of bags in various locations. While Naresh admits to dismembering his wife, he contends that some of the CCTV footage does not accurately represent the prosecution’s claims, stating that some bags contained personal items.
Mamta Kafle’s Disappearance
Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a nurse from Nepal working at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, went missing in July 2024. When she failed to show up for work, her colleagues requested a welfare check at her home in Manassas Park. Her family and friends were concerned, believing she wouldn’t abandon her baby daughter.
A missing person report was filed on August 5, 2024, and police began their investigation. Naresh was arrested on August 22, 2024, after evidence was discovered in their home, and he has been in custody since.
Charged With Murder and Hiding a Dead Body
Naresh has been charged with first degree murder, concealing a dead body, and desecrating a dead body. He has pleaded not guilty, denying he killed his wife. Throughout his testimony, he admitted to dismembering and disposing of Mamta’s body but maintains he found her dead.
The prosecution argues that he killed her and attempted to cover up the crime. With Mamta’s body still missing, the case heavily relies on forensic evidence, CCTV footage, witness statements, and circumstantial evidence. The trial has garnered significant attention in Nepal and among Nepalese communities in America.