Indian-origin man testifies he dismembered wife's body after suicide
What's the story
Naresh Bhatt, an Indian-origin man in Virginia, United States, has testified in court that he dismembered the body of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, after she died by suicide. He claimed to have found her unconscious and surrounded by vomit next to their bed on July 30, 2024. The couple's infant daughter was also present at the time.
Charges faced
Bhatt has pleaded not guilty to the charges
Bhatt is facing charges of first-degree murder, concealing a dead body, and defiling a dead body. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Mamta was last seen on a video call on July 29, 2024. She was reported missing on August 5 after she failed to show up for work.
Testimony details
Attempted CPR, life-saving measures on Mamta before dismembering her body
Bhatt testified that he attempted CPR and life-saving measures on Mamta before deciding to dismember her body.
He claimed he initially thought about throwing her body into the Potomac River but later decided to hide it in their home.
"Trying to lower her body apart...separate the legs from the body," he said while describing his actions in court.
Panic claims
Bhatt admitted he was scared and panicked
Bhatt admitted he was scared and panicked, which is why he didn't call 911 immediately.
"I don't know why I did not. I tried to call. I was really scared...something took over me. I was really, really panicked," he said.
He claimed to have used a saw for dismemberment but couldn't fully separate the body parts.
When asked why he stopped, Bhatt said, "Mentally and physically I was powerless...I was unable to do that."
Sentence reduction
First-degree murder charge carries a life sentence
Of the three charges, first-degree murder is the most severe, carrying a life sentence, while the other two carry a maximum of five years in prison.
By confessing to his actions, Bhatt hopes to reduce his potential death sentence.
The trial continues as more evidence and testimonies are presented in court.