MANASSAS, Va. – A Prince William County court has set March 12, 2027, as the sentencing date for Naresh Bhatt, who was convicted of first‑degree murder, concealing a dead body and defiling a dead body in the death of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt.

Trial and conviction

The jury returned a guilty verdict after several hours of deliberation following a six‑week trial. Evidence presented included forensic testimony, a power saw seized from the couple’s home that contained hair fragments, and digital records showing Bhatt’s searches for “what happens if a spouse disappears” and “can I divorce if wife lost.”

During his testimony, Bhatt admitted to dismembering his wife’s body with the saw and disposing of the remains in multiple dumpsters, claiming she had taken her own life. He described finding vomit with pill fragments and evidence of an insect fumigant in the bedroom where the body was discovered. Mamta Kafle’s body has never been recovered.

Family statements

Gita Kafle, the victim’s mother, testified emotionally, recalling frequent video calls with her daughter while living in Nepal. Friends and family of Mamta emphasized that she would not have abandoned her infant daughter.

Both the victim’s and the defendant’s families provided testimony about marital strain, and investigators highlighted Bhatt’s visits to several trash‑disposal sites as part of the evidence trail.

Prosecutor’s remarks

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney called the case “a powerful reminder that the absence of a victim’s body does not mean the absence of justice.” The office noted that the conviction underscores the thoroughness of the investigation despite the lack of a recovered body.

Next steps

Bhatt remains in custody pending the March sentencing hearing, where the court will determine the appropriate penalty for the murders and related offenses.

Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.