US Jury Convicts Husband In Nepali Nurse’s Death
A jury in the US state of Virginia has found Naresh Bhatt, 39, guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, rejecting his claim that she died by suicide. The jury also convicted him of concealing and defiling her body. Mamta’s remains have not yet been recovered.
The verdict follows a trial stemming from Mamta’s disappearance in July 2024. A nurse originally from Nepal, she was last seen on July 30, 2024. Prosecutors argued that Bhatt killed her, dismembered her body and disposed of the remains in rubbish bags across Northern Virginia. During the trial, Bhatt testified that he found his wife unconscious in their bedroom and failed to revive her. He claimed that he panicked and disposed of her body because he feared being blamed for her death. However, prosecutors challenged his account with forensic evidence, surveillance footage, phone records and digital searches.
Investigators presented DNA evidence linking Mamta to stains and hair-like material found on a power saw allegedly purchased by Bhatt. Prosecutors also showed footage of him buying rubbish bags and cleaning supplies around the time of her disappearance. The court also heard testimony about tensions in the couple’s marriage. Mamta’s brother told the jury that she had previously expressed feeling unsafe. Bhatt admitted during cross-examination that he had lied to relatives, friends, neighbours and police about her disappearance.
Following the verdict, members of Mamta’s family embraced in court. Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth said the decision represented an important measure of justice for Mamta and her family, who had endured prolonged uncertainty. Bhatt faces 20 years to life in prison for first-degree murder, along with additional sentences for the other convictions. His sentencing is scheduled for March 12, and the judge revoked his bond following the verdict.
The case attracted widespread attention among Nepali communities in the United States and Nepal. Despite Bhatt’s admission that he disposed of his wife’s body, investigators have yet to locate her remains.
