In a brief but important hearing on Friday, a Virginia judge approved a request to subpoena three out-of-state witnesses as the case against Naresh Bhatt, the husband of missing mother Mamta Kafle Bhatt, moves forward.
According to a report by WPDE, prosecutors sought subpoenas for two reporters and a Pennsylvania resident. The reporters had previously conducted interviews with Bhatt prior to his arrest, and prosecutors plan to introduce those interviews as evidence, suggesting that his demeanor did not match that of a concerned husband. Although the reporters may not need to testify at trial, they are expected to authenticate the interviews as business records. Bhatt’s defense team did not object to the subpoenas.
Outside the Prince William County Judicial Center, supporters of Mamta Kafle Bhatt gathered in solidarity, distributing purple ribbons to raise awareness about domestic violence. Mamta’s brother, who traveled from Nepal, was also present at the courthouse, joining community members determined to seek justice in her memory. Organizers are planning a domestic violence awareness event on May 28, which would have marked Mamta’s 29th birthday.
Naresh Bhatt remains charged with first-degree murder, concealment of a dead body, and physically defiling a dead body. Despite exhaustive search efforts, Mamta’s body has not yet been located. Bhatt’s trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2025
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