Banking records and Tesla sale examined in Virginia murder trial near Washington DC

Thursday's testimony in the Virginia murder trial of Naresh Bhatt centered on banking records related to Bhatt and his missing wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, WTOP reported. Mamta opened Chase checking and savings accounts in her name only in February 2024, with some accounts listing a different address from the couple's shared home.

A J.P. Morgan Chase records custodian testified about the accounts, and the defense argued they were meant to help Mamta build her own credit. However, the prosecution suggested the couple was facing marital strain and that Mamta might have wanted to have her own money.

An electronic crimes investigator from J.P. Morgan reviewed account access logs, noting logins on July 28 and 29, 2024, which appeared to be simple account checks rather than transactions. Later August activity seemed linked to automated banking functions, not active use.

The jury had also heard about text messages indicating marital strain and possible separation at the time Mamta disappeared. Additionally, testimony was given about Bhatt's sale of his Tesla to CarMax after Mamta went missing. A CarMax manager said the vehicle underwent normal cleaning and reconditioning before resale.

The trial was adjourned early Thursday and is scheduled to resume Monday, when the prosecution expects to rest its case, according to WTOP.