Manassas Park, VA — Naresh Bhatt is facing disturbing accusations of murdering his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who has been missing for several weeks and is presumed dead. Court documents obtained by GNB Now reveal details of the alleged crime, suggesting that Bhatt may have dragged her body from their Manassas Park home after killing her.
Court Appearance and Charges
On Friday, Naresh Bhatt, 37, appeared in court for the first time with a translator present to assist him. He is currently charged with a class 6 felony for concealing a dead body, as the body of his wife, Mamta, has not been found. The judge denied his bail request, and Bhatt remains in custody. A preliminary hearing is set for October 24.
During the initial court proceedings on Thursday, Bhatt was held without bond. It is unclear whether he has obtained legal representation.
Following today’s court appearance, several hearings have been scheduled:
Prince William County J&DR Court Details
• Case Number: JA101417-01-00
• Defendant: Naresh Datt Bhatt
• Defendant Status: In Custody
• Filed Date: August 22, 2024
• Locality: Commonwealth of Virginia
• Code Section: 18.2-323.02
• Charge: Conceal Dead Body
• Offense Tracking/Process Number: 153JM2400033839
• Case Type: Criminal Felony
• Class: Class 6
• Offense Date: July 30, 2024
• Arrest Date: August 22, 2024
Upcoming Court Dates:
• August 23, 2024, 8:31 AM: Arraignment, Courtroom 6, Result: Continued
• August 26, 2024, 8:31 AM: Bond hearing, Courtroom 6
• October 24, 2024, 9:00 AM: Adjudicatory hearing, Courtroom 6
The Manassas Park Police Department has stated that the investigation into Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s disappearance is ongoing and that additional charges against Naresh Bhatt may be filed as new evidence comes to light.
Disturbing Details from Court Documents
Investigators recently executed a search warrant at the Bhatt residence, spending hours collecting evidence that suggests a violent crime took place there. According to the court documents, forensic and digital evidence indicates that Mamta’s body was inside the home and was likely dragged out. The documents also imply that Mamta was murdered on or around July 30.
Investigators utilized BlueStar technology, a forensic tool that detects traces of blood, to uncover what they believe are pools of blood and blood spatter throughout the house. In the master bedroom, detectives found the bed moved in front of a closet. After moving the bed, they discovered a faint pink stain on the carpet suspected to be blood, along with what appeared to be blood leading to the bathroom. Further use of BlueStar technology revealed blood traces across the bathroom floor, and after removing the bathtub, investigators found what they believe to be blood in the caulking.
Inconsistent Statements from Naresh Bhatt
In court, prosecutors presented evidence that Naresh Bhatt gave conflicting statements about his wife’s whereabouts. Initially, he told police that Mamta was visiting family in Texas or New York, even though she had no family in those states—all her relatives reside in Nepal.
Mamta, a pediatric nurse at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, was reported missing after failing to show up for her shifts on August 1 and 2. Her absence prompted the hospital to request a welfare check, but Naresh declined to report her missing until August 6. At that time, he claimed she had been visiting family and was last seen in the early hours of July 31, only to later change his story to say he last saw her on August 1.
Community meetings and ongoing research
The Nepali-American community came together to support Mamata’s family during this difficult time. They worked tirelessly to secure an emergency visa for Mamata’s mother, who is still in Nepal, so that she could immediately join her family in the US. Friends and relatives of Mamata expressed their shock and horror over the disturbing details emerging in the court, struggling to understand the grim reality
Outside the Bhatts’ home on Wednesday, Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth gave a brief statement to reporters. When asked about the fate of the Ashworth Mammoth, he replied, “We don’t know! We don’t know! But we are working on this investigation. We’re working cautiously, and a lot is happening very quickly now.”
New Developments and Suspicious Behavior
The investigation revealed serious concerns about Mamata’s disappearance. His phone was receiving data until July 29, after which all incoming calls went straight to voicemail. By August 1st, the phone was completely unresponsive. Mamata’s phone was last seen in Loudoun County, Virginia. Naresh Bhatt said he was at a cafe in Loudoun County, coinciding with the last signal from Mamata’s phone to a nearby cell tower
Prosecutors also revealed that on July 30, Naresh bought a bag containing three knives at a Walmart in Chantilly. But when police searched his home, they found only one. Surveillance footage also shows Naresh buying various cleaning items on July 31, raising further questions about his actions after his wife went missing.
Searching Bhatt’s residence, investigators found the house in disarray. It was learned that Naresh had sold his Tesla just two days before police executed a search warrant. The house was full of bags and passports belonging to Naresh and his daughter, indicating that he may have planned to escape. In addition, police spoke to people who said that Naresh had talked about selling his house, leading to speculation that he intended to leave the area.
Concerns about the couple’s daughter
Amid the unfolding tragedy, the couple has some certainty about the safety of their 11-month-old daughter Neema. Police have confirmed he is safe and he is currently in the care of someone approved by the Department of Social Services.
As this harrowing investigation continues, the community remains in shock and hopes for more answers on Mamata’s fate and justice for her family.
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