Last updated October 6, 2026
Jury selection is underway in the Virginia murder trial of Naresh Bhatt, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, physically defiling a dead body, and concealing a dead body in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt.
On Monday, October 5, the court formally arraigned Bhatt and he pleaded not guilty to all three charges. The defense renewed its request to delay the trial, citing recently received discovery and witness-preparation issues, but Judge Kimberly Irving denied the request. Jury selection continues Tuesday, October 6, and the judge has said she hopes to seat a jury that day.
Bhatt is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This page will track verified court proceedings, including the seating of a jury, opening statements, significant testimony, rulings, closing arguments, and any verdict
For the complete story of Mamta’s life, disappearance, and the investigation, listen to our Moms and Mysteries episode:
WHO WAS MAMTA KAFLE BHATT?
Mamta Kafle Bhatt was a nurse, a mother, and a member of the Nepali community in Northern Virginia. She was born and raised in Nepal, studied nursing in India, and moved to the United States in 2021. By 2024, she was working as a registered nurse at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas.
Friends and family described Mamta as hardworking, thoughtful, and deeply devoted to her young daughter. Her disappearance brought together her coworkers, friends, and members of the local Nepali community, who pushed for answers and continue to support her family.
WHEN WAS MAMTA KAFLE BHATT LAST SEEN?
Mamta was last seen at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center on July 27, 2024. Court documents and reporting later identified July 29 as her last known contact with family and friends.
After she failed to report to work, police conducted a welfare check at the Bhatt home on August 2. Naresh Bhatt reported Mamta missing on August 5. Her remains have not been found.
WHAT IS NARESH BHATT CHARGED WITH?
Naresh Bhatt is charged with first-degree murder, concealing a dead body, and physically defiling a dead body.
He was initially arrested in August 2024 on the concealment charge. A grand jury later added the murder and physical-defilement charges. Bhatt has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
These are charges, not convictions. The Commonwealth must prove each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
WHEN DOES THE NARESH BHATT TRIAL START?
Potential jurors are being questioned September 28 and 29. The court has scheduled Bhatt’s arraignment for 9 a.m. on Monday, October 5, with the trial set to begin at 10 a.m.
The court expects the case to run about seven weeks. The exact schedule can change as jury selection, motions, and testimony unfold.
WILL THE TRIAL BE LIVESTREAMED?
No. Judge Kimberly Irving has allowed cameras and still photography in the courtroom, but she denied a request to livestream the full proceedings.
News organizations may record court proceedings for later reporting under the court’s rules. The judge may change or revoke camera access if needed during the trial.
WHAT EVIDENCE HAS BEEN DISCUSSED PUBLICLY?
Because the trial has not yet begun, it is not known which evidence the court will ultimately admit or how jurors will assess it.
Prosecutors have publicly described a case built on surveillance video, cellphone and digital records, and forensic evidence collected during the investigation. The defense will have the opportunity to challenge that evidence in court.
The jury—not media reporting, public opinion, or online commentary—will decide whether the evidence proves the charges.
WHY HAS THE CASE DRAWN SO MUCH ATTENTION?
Mamta’s disappearance drew widespread attention from her friends, coworkers, and the Nepali community in Northern Virginia. The case has remained closely followed because Mamta has not been found and prosecutors are pursuing a murder case without her remains being recovered.
The trial will be the first time a jury hears the evidence, the defense arguments, and the testimony in full.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Has Mamta Kafle Bhatt been found?
No. Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s remains have not been found.
When is Naresh Bhatt’s trial?
The initial jury-selection process is underway September 28–29. Bhatt is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. on October 5, and the trial is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. that day.
What is Naresh Bhatt charged with?
He is charged with first-degree murder, concealing a dead body, and physically defiling a dead body. He has pleaded not guilty.
Will the trial be on TV?
The trial will not be livestreamed. Cameras may record proceedings for later news coverage, and still photography is permitted under the court’s rules.
How long is the trial expected to last?
The court expects the trial to last about seven weeks, but the actual length can change.
What happens next?
The court is working through jury selection before the scheduled October 5 trial start. This page will be updated after a significant court development, such as a jury being seated, opening statements, major testimony, a ruling, a verdict, or sentencing.
SOURCES
FauquierNow: Court schedule and camera-access ruling, September 27, 2026
WJLA / 7News: Courtroom camera ruling and current charges, September 25, 2026
WJLA / 7News: Case timeline based on court records, police, and prosecution statements
Moms and Mysteries: Mamta Kafle Bhatt episode
https://www.momsandmysteries.com/episodes/mamta-kafle-bhatt-murder
