– Trial for Naresh Bhatt, accused in wife’s murder, postponed to October 5, 2026
– Family says they are “profoundly disappointed” by the 14-month delay
– Defense cited overwhelming evidence volume as reason for postponement
– Legal experts call delay “unusual” but potentially strategic for both sides
The family of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who has been missing since mid-2024, says they are “profoundly disappointed” by the Prince William County court’s decision to delay the murder trial of her husband, Naresh Bhatt, by over a year — a move that pushes the trial date to October 5, 2026.
“While I think we expected there to be a continuance, we did not expect the continuance to be this far out — we’re talking 14 months,” said Holly Wirth, a spokesperson for Bhatt’s family, speaking with news outlets and expressing the family’s frustration with the court process.
Defense Seeks More Time for Evidence Review
Bhatt, who was arrested in August 2024 and charged with murdering his wife in December 2024 — despite no body being found — was set to go to trial this September. However, during a Friday court hearing, his public defender requested an extension, citing the vast amount of evidence that remains under review.
Veteran defense attorney Frank Salvato, speaking to WUSA9, said the scale of the delay was surprising.
Salvato added that the justification from Bhatt’s attorney was understandable, particularly in complex cases like this.
Prosecutors Quietly Accept Delay
Prosecutors did not object to the delay. According to Salvato, they may also be using the extended timeline to strengthen their case and avoid potential appeal issues later.
“I think they’re taking this opportunity to not only continue their investigation, but just to foreclose any issue on appeal that the defense did not have enough time,” he said.
Delay Brings Risks and Opportunities
While the defense benefits from additional prep time, the delay is not without risk. Salvato noted that if Mamta’s body is discovered before trial, it could decisively damage Bhatt’s defense.
He also said that delays sometimes lead to plea deals, especially in missing persons cases. “Sometimes prosecutors will make an offer if the defendant was truly involved and could locate the remains,” he said. “That could be a basis to resolve the case.”
Family Left Waiting, But Trial Must Be ‘Done Right’
Despite the emotional toll on Mamta’s family, Salvato stressed that taking the time to prepare the case thoroughly is essential.
“This is a case and a decision that’s going to affect everybody for the rest of their lives,” he said. “Sometimes those things have to be delayed in order to get it right in front of a jury.”
If he were defending Bhatt, Salvato said the next 15 months would be spent combing through evidence and preparing for trial. “I’m taking these 15 months to really review everything and get ready for that jury trial,” he said.
Bhatt remains in custody. His new trial date is scheduled for October 5, 2026.
Also Read
- Judge Approves Out-of-State Subpoenas in Mamta Kafle Bhatt Murder Case
- Criminal Complaint Reveals Gruesome Details in the Case of Missing Mamta Kafle Bhatt
With inputs from WUSA9.
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