Landscaper Testifies Suspect Gave Him Saw Linked to Murder Evidence

A landscaper testified that Naresh Bhatt gifted him a saw linked to murder evidence.

The murder trial of Naresh Bhatt, charged with killing and dismembering his wife Mamta Kafle Bhatt, has brought key evidence to light through witness testimony. Mamta, a 28-year-old pediatric nurse, was last seen on a video call on July 29, 2024, after which she disappeared. Bhatt was arrested in August 2024 and charged with first-degree murder, concealment, and defilement of a dead body. The trial began on October 7, 2026, in Manassas Park, Virginia.

A significant witness, a landscaper, recounted that Bhatt gave him a saw which later became critical evidence. Forensic analysis revealed blood on the saw matching Mamta's DNA, linking the tool directly to the alleged crime. This testimony underscores the importance of physical evidence in cases where the victim's body remains missing. The landscaper’s account was reported by Courthouse News.

Further strengthening the prosecution's case, Detective Claudia Ventura testified about the Bluestar testing that detected blood in the master bedroom and bathroom, describing the room as having "lit up blue." This detail was covered by NBC Washington. Additionally, prosecutors presented evidence that Bhatt discarded a blood-stained bath mat in a donation bin outside a gas station, adding to the circumstantial evidence.

Prosecutors allege that Bhatt killed Mamta, dismembered her, and concealed her body, which has not been recovered to date, a fact covered by Court TV. Bhatt initially claimed Mamta had left town and cut off contact.
The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with jury deliberation scheduled through November 19, 2026.

What's next: The trial will proceed with further witness testimonies and evidence, culminating in jury deliberation set for November 19, 2026.