The ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 28-year-old Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a mother from Virginia, has taken a significant turn as her husband, Naresh Bhatt, has been charged with concealing a body in connection with her case. The arrest, which occurred Thursday morning, has intensified the search for Mamta, who has been missing for over three weeks.
What Happened?
Mamta Kafle Bhatt was last seen on July 31, 2024, by her husband at their Manassas Park home. Before this, she had spoken to a friend on July 28 and was reported to have last been at her job as a pediatric nurse at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center on July 27. Concerns about her well-being escalated when her colleagues, worried after she failed to show up for work, requested a welfare check on August 2.
During this welfare check, Naresh Bhatt spoke to the police, providing additional information but stating he did not want to report his wife as missing at that time. It wasn’t until three days later, on August 5, that Naresh officially reported her disappearance.
The Arrest and Current Developments
On Thursday morning, police executed a search warrant at the Bhatt residence, which led to the arrest of Naresh Bhatt. He was charged with the felony of concealing a body, although authorities have not confirmed whether Mamta’s body has been found.
Video footage from CNN affiliate WJLA captured the moment Naresh was taken away in handcuffs. In a chilling scene, an infant, presumably the couple’s young daughter, was also carried out of the home under a yellow blanket. The child is currently under the care of a Department of Social Services-approved caregiver.
Despite the arrest, the search for Mamta continues. Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo emphasized during a news conference that the investigation remains a top priority. He assured the public that detectives are actively pursuing leads, with ten search warrants executed and hundreds of interviews conducted so far.
Community Reaction and Support
The Nepalese community in Northern Virginia, where Mamta was originally from, has been deeply affected by her disappearance. On Thursday night, a candlelight vigil was held outside the Bhatt residence. Friends and community members gathered to grieve and focus on Mamta’s daughter, who turned one earlier this week.
In a show of solidarity and support, friends have started a fundraising effort to bring Mamta’s mother from Nepal to care for the child, aiming to keep her out of foster care. A GoFundMe campaign titled “Justice for Mamta” has been launched to collect funds for this cause.
Additionally, the community has rallied to raise awareness and coordinate search efforts through a dedicated Facebook group. The group has been active in distributing flyers and organizing search and rescue operations.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation unfolds, Naresh Bhatt’s lack of cooperation with authorities has been noted as a significant development. Initially described as cooperative, his behavior changed, leading to increased scrutiny from the police. During Wednesday’s search, detectives obtained what they described as “additional evidence,” though details remain undisclosed.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth addressed the media outside the family’s home on Thursday, expressing uncertainty about Mamta’s fate but reaffirming the commitment to the investigation. Naresh Bhatt is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, and further charges may be brought as the case progresses.
Public Appeal
Mamta Kafle Bhatt is described as being 5 feet tall, weighing around 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The Manassas Park Police Department is urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward.
As the community continues to search for answers, the case of Mamta Kafle Bhatt remains a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in missing-person investigations. The hope is that with continued public awareness and law enforcement efforts, the truth about Mamta’s disappearance will soon come to light.
