Naresh Bhatt, the husband of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a missing nurse from Virginia, appeared in court on August 23 after being charged with concealing a dead body.
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| Naresh Bhatt. Manassas Park Police Department |
Mamta, who is 28 years old and works as a pediatric nurse, was last seen on July 27, but her body has not yet been found. Naresh was arrested in connection with her disappearance, with the charges announced by the Manassas Park Police Department on August 22.
During the court proceedings, prosecutors disclosed that Naresh had made suspicious internet searches in April, which added to the concerns about his involvement. According to reports from news outlets like WUSA, 7News, and WTOP, Naresh allegedly searched online for questions such as, "How long does it take to get married when spouse dies?" and "What happens to debt when spouse dies?" These searches, along with other pieces of evidence, have led investigators to suspect that Naresh may have been planning something before his wife went missing.
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| Naresh Bhatt informed police that he last saw his wife, Mamta, on July 31, but waited several days before reporting her missing. (Facebook/Mamta Kafle Bhatt) |
An investigation of the couple’s home revealed bloodstains in their bedroom and shower, which prosecutors presented as critical evidence. However, Naresh’s defense attorney argued that the amount of blood found was minimal, suggesting it could have resulted from something as minor as a nosebleed. The defense also said the fact that Mamta's body has not been found, arguing that there is no definitive proof that she is dead.
Additional findings from the investigation showed that the Bhatt family home was in disarray, with many items already packed up. Investigators noted that Naresh had sold his vehicle and had been looking into selling their home in the weeks leading up to Mamta’s disappearance. It was also discovered that on July 30, Naresh had traveled to Chantilly, where he bought three knives—two of which are still unaccounted for—and cleaning supplies the following day.
Despite the absence of a body, prosecutors believe that all indications point to Mamta being deceased. However, Naresh’s public defender maintains that there is not enough evidence to support this claim, particularly without the discovery of a body.
As the legal proceedings continue, the couple’s one-year-old daughter is currently under the care of the Department of Social Services. A GoFundMe campaign to support the child and Mamta’s family has raised over $200,000.
Naresh Bhatt is being held without bond, as the judge ruled him a flight risk. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities still searching for Mamta’s body.