Naresh Bhatt, 39, has been found guilty by a jury in the murder case of Mamta Kaffle Bhatt (28), a Nepalese nurse, in Virginia, USA. The verdict holds him accountable for three charges: first-degree murder, concealment of the dead body, and disrespecting the dead body.
Mamta was reported missing in July 2024 from their home in Manassas Park, Virginia. The investigation began after her colleagues at the hospital where she worked raised concerns over her absence. After more than two years of investigation, a decisive verdict was reached.
During the trial, Naresh Bhatt admitted to dismembering his wife’s body and abandoning it in the trash. However, he claimed that Mamta had committed suicide, and he panicked upon discovering her body, which led to his actions. The jury did not accept this explanation.
The prosecution presented evidence gathered from the home, forensic tests related to blood stains, internet search histories, and surveillance camera footage at court. Although the court determined that a murder had occurred, Mamta’s body has not yet been found. The couple has one young daughter.
The jury's verdict was delivered following a six-week-long trial. Sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2027. The charge of first-degree murder carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment. Additional prison time is also possible for the other two charges.
Despite Mamta’s body remaining undiscovered, the prosecution responded that successfully bringing the accused to justice constitutes a significant legal achievement.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
