Husband admits to dismembering wife's body, but says she died by suicide

Naresh Bhatt told a Virginia courtroom on Thursday that he used a saw to cut up his wife's body and place the pieces in trash bags. He admitted to disposing of the remains in trash cans at their home in 2024, confirming for the first time that Mamta Kafle is dead. Her body has never been found.

Bhatt claimed he discovered Kafle dead in their bedroom in the early morning of July 30, 2024. He stated she had committed suicide and that he did not call 911. Instead, he described reducing the size of her body and putting it in a bag. When asked how he performed the task, he replied, "I had a saw. I used the saw."

Despite admitting to the acts of defiling and concealing a dead body, Bhatt denied killing his wife. He also rejected all allegations of physical abuse. Prosecutors presented evidence of bleeding and bruising on Kafle in the months leading up to her death, asserting that Bhatt caused the injuries. Bhatt maintained he had never physically abused any family member.

Prosecutor Matthew Sweet pressed Bhatt on the timeline of their physical contact. Sweet asked if the only time Bhatt touched Kafle was when he chopped her up. Bhatt responded, "That was after Mamta left." Sweet followed up by asking if the only time Bhatt touched her was when stuffing her into a trash can. Bhatt's attorneys will question him further when the trial resumes Monday morning.

Prince William County prosecutors decided how to proceed with the case on Friday, one day after the testimony. They met with defense attorneys to discuss jury instructions. First-degree and second-degree murder are the primary charges under consideration. Manslaughter is not on the table.

The jury is scheduled to receive the case early next week. Bhatt's legal team expects to ask him additional questions before the deliberation begins. The decision on specific charges will determine the potential sentencing range for the defendant.