Naresh Bhatt, a 37-year-old man from Manassas Park, Virginia in the United States was indicted on murder charges in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, in July 2024 , reported CNN.
Mamta, a 28-year-old nurse and mother, was last seen working at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center on July 27. Her husband initially reported her missing on August 5, stating that he last saw her on July 31. However, investigators found blood and other evidence at the couple's home that led them to believe she had been murdered.
Court records revealed that Naresh Bhatt had searched online for how long one should wait to remarry after a spouse's death prior to his wife’s disappearance. He was arrested on August 22 and was later denied bail. During the investigation, it was discovered that blood was found in various rooms of the house, including the bedroom and bathroom, suggesting that Mamta had been killed and dismembered. Additionally, Bhatt was seen on surveillance footage disposing of trash bags containing evidence in dumpsters.
Mamta, a beloved member of the Nepalese community, was reported missing after she failed to show up for her scheduled shifts at the hospital. Her coworkers grew concerned and requested a wellness check, which led police to Bhatt’s residence. Despite initially declining to report Mamta as missing, Bhatt officially reported her disappearance after three days, claiming she had vanished after a dinner on July 31. However, further investigation uncovered substantial evidence, including purchases of knives from Walmart by Bhatt.
The murder charges against Naresh Bhatt have shocked the community, as Mamta was known for her work as a nurse and as a mother. Bhatt now faces charges of murder, defiling, and concealing a body, and he is expected to appear in court for formal arraignment.
Authorities have not yet located Mamta’s body, though the evidence gathered suggests a brutal crime scene. The case continues to develop as police focus on unraveling the full extent of what transpired in the Bhatt home during the days leading up to Mamta's disappearance.