Digital Searches and Banking Records Feature in Bhatt Murder Trial

Jurors heard testimony about Naresh Bhatt’s online search history and financial records as prosecutors moved toward the end of their case in his murder trial in Manassas, Virginia. Bhatt has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder in the first degree, hiding a corpse and desecrating human remains. His wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, has not been found.

A police digital-forensics specialist testified that searches recovered from Bhatt’s Google history in March 2024 included questions about what happens when a spouse disappears and whether someone can divorce a wife who is lost. Investigators also identified searches about meat-processing tools, equipment for honing blades, manual cutting tools, melatonin amounts, journeys from Delhi to Dulles and CarMax vehicle transactions.

Testimony on October 29 also covered Mamta’s Chase accounts, which were opened in her name alone in February 2024. A bank investigator said the records showed logins on July 28 and 29, but characterized them as checks of the accounts rather than transactions. He said activity later in August appeared connected to automated banking functions.

A CarMax manager testified that Bhatt’s Tesla went through the company’s usual cleaning and reconditioning process before resale. Prosecutors have also presented evidence about messages suggesting the couple were considering living apart. The trial began after Mamta missed work shifts in August 2024; police later found bloodstains at the couple’s home and recovered a power saw with hair fragments. Her body remains unrecovered.

The judge ended the October 29 proceedings early. The trial was set to resume November 2, when prosecutors said they expected to rest their case.