Thursday’s hearing in the Manassas Park murder trial of Naresh Bhatt centered on financial evidence tied to Bhatt and his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, whom prosecutors allege he killed in late July. Bhatt has entered a not‑guilty plea.
Bank accounts opened by Mamta Kafle Bhatt
According to a J.P. Morgan Chase records custodian, Mamta opened a checking and a savings account in February 2024, both in her name only. The defense argued the separate accounts were intended to help Mamta build her own credit history. Prosecutors countered, suggesting the couple was experiencing marital strain and that Mamta may have wanted independent access to funds.
“Is it another possible reason to purchase things? Have your own money,” the prosecutor asked, implying the accounts could have facilitated personal spending.
Electronic‑crime investigator testimony
Robert Campbell, an electronic‑crimes investigator with J.P. Morgan, testified that he reviewed access logs for Mamta’s accounts. He noted logins on July 28 and July 29, 2024, describing the activity as simple account checks rather than actual transactions. “It’s just a login. They just log in and look at the account,” Campbell said.
Campbell also observed that activity recorded later in August appeared to be automated banking functions, not actions taken by a person actively using the accounts.
Text messages reveal marital tension
The jury heard Wednesday that text messages exchanged between the couple suggested their marriage was under strain and that they were discussing living apart. Prosecutors used these messages to bolster their theory of a troubled relationship preceding Mamta’s disappearance.
Bhatt’s Tesla sale to CarMax
Testimony also covered Bhatt’s sale of his Tesla to CarMax after Mamta vanished. A CarMax manager confirmed the vehicle underwent the company’s standard cleaning and reconditioning process before being resold, indicating the sale was a routine transaction.
Trial schedule
The judge adjourned early for the day. The prosecution indicated it expects to rest its case on Monday when the trial resumes.
This testimony underscores the prosecution’s focus on financial trails and personal interactions as they build their case against Naresh Bhatt.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
