Virginia, USA, August 13, 2026 — Attorneys in the case against Naresh Bhatt, who is accused of killing his wife Mamta Kafle Bhatt, returned to court Thursday as the judge considered which evidence and witnesses will be permitted when the long-awaited murder trial begins in October.
Bhatt, who has denied the allegations, was arrested on August 22, 2024, about three weeks after Mamta disappeared. He was initially charged with concealing a dead body and was later indicted on charges of first-degree murder and physically defiling a dead body. Mamta’s remains have never been found.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin October 6, with the trial expected to last about seven weeks. At Thursday’s hearing, attorneys said the case could require as many as 300 prospective jurors because of its anticipated length and the extensive public attention surrounding Mamta’s disappearance. The final jury is expected to consist of 12 jurors and at least four alternates.
The court also considered a large volume of potential evidence and testimony. Prosecutors have subpoenaed numerous witnesses, including forensic specialists, blood-spatter experts and mapping analysts. The prosecution says the expert testimony will help establish a timeline of Bhatt’s movements and actions before and after Mamta disappeared.
Three out-of-state media witnesses are also expected to be involved in the case. The list includes two WUSA9 journalists who interviewed Bhatt in the days before his arrest. Earlier proceedings had allowed prosecutors to subpoena the reporters and another out-of-state witness.
