Manassas Park, VA – Nearly three weeks have passed since 28-year-old Mamta Kafle Bhatt mysteriously disappeared from her home in Manassas Park, VA. The case has been classified as “involuntary,” heightening concerns among her family and the Nepali-American community. Despite ongoing search efforts and a timeline of her last known activities, many questions remain unresolved.
The Manassas Park Police Department issued an appeal on August 15, 2024, requesting public assistance in locating Mamta Kafle, a 28-year-old woman who was reported missing. Here are the key details from the appeal:
Timeline and Investigation:
• August 2, 2024: Police responded to a welfare check at Mamta Kafle’s residence, where they spoke with her husband, Mr. Naresh Bhatt. At that time, Mr. Bhatt did not report her as missing.
• August 5, 2024: Mr. Bhatt contacted the police and officially reported Mamta Kafle as missing.
• August 5-8, 2024: Detectives conducted an extensive investigation, noting a significant lack of recent contact between Mamta and her family, friends, and employer. This lack of communication, along with other factors, led detectives to elevate her status to “Involuntary/Critical Missing Person.”Last Known Contacts:
The Manassas Park Police Department has released a timeline of Bhatt’s last known activities:
- July 27, 2024: Mamta Kafle was last known to be at the VA Health Prince William Medical Center.
- July 28: She spoke to a friend
- July 31, 2024: She was last seen by her husband.These dates represent the last confirmed interactions with Bhatt before her unexplained disappearance.
Description:
• Age: 28 years old
• Height: 5 feet
• Weight: 132 pounds
• Hair: Black
• Eyes: BrownRequest for Public Assistance:
The police are asking anyone with information regarding Mamta Kafle’s whereabouts to contact the Manassas Park Police Department at 703-361-1136. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the Manassas City/Manassas Park Crime Solvers at 703-330-0330 or via their website at manassascrimesolvers.org.
Community Concerns and Search Efforts
The slow pace of the investigation has fueled frustration within the local community. Madan Uprety, President of the Nepali American Community Center (NACC), has voiced concerns about the authorities’ response. “It’s taking too long. Why aren’t they being more proactive? Why aren’t they searching?” Uprety said, reflecting the anxiety surrounding the case, particularly towards Bhatt’s husband, Naresh.
In response to these concerns, several community leaders, including Uprety, Holly Wirth, and Bina Khadkalama, met with Manassas Park officials, including the Mayor and Police Chief. Although initially skeptical, the group left the meeting feeling somewhat reassured. “We established a line of communication. We talk to them every day and have a community liaison,” Uprety noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue with the authorities.
Exclusive Interview with Naresh Bhatt
In an exclusive interview with Nepali journalist Sachchi Mainali, Naresh Bhatt, the husband of missing Mamata Bhatt, shared insights into his relationship with Mamata and their household dynamics. Naresh described the emotional toll of Mamta’s disappearance and expressed his hope for her safe return. He recounted their last dinner together on July 31, after which Mamta went to rest and was gone the next morning.
Naresh explained that Mamata managed cooking and legal matters, while he handled groceries, the mortgage, and other payments. He described himself as introverted and reserved, while Mamta was known for motivating others despite her own struggles. Their young daughter deeply misses her mother.
During the interview, Sachchi Mainali asked Bhatt directly if he had ever hit Mamta. Bhatt responded, “No, one time during a fight, my hand accidentally hit her head, but it was an accident.” He assured that there had been no similar incidents since then and that their relationship had improved significantly.
Naresh revealed that while divorce had been discussed, it was not a serious consideration.
He mentioned that their relationship had improved since April, with fewer arguments and more quality time spent at home, including watching movies on Netflix.
In an appeal to Mamata, Naresh pleaded, “Please return home or tell me where you are—I’ll come to receive you.”
Insights from Mamta’s Mother
In a separate interview one day earlier , Mamata’s mother shared troubling details about her daughter’s marriage. She recounted an incident in February when Mamata left to stay with friends following a violent argument with Naresh. During this time, Mamata’s in-laws were also living with them. Mamata’s mother noted that Mamata maintained daily contact with her parents and informed them when she stayed away from home. During the interview with Sachchi Mainali, Mamata’s mother mentioned that she saw a gloomy expression on Mamata’s face during their last video call. She also stated that she kept calling Mr. Bhatt, but he didn’t answer the calls. The family had to pressure him to report the incident to the police, and he only reported Mamata as missing after her family insisted, one of the family member said.
After learning of her daughter’s disappearance, Mamata’s mother received conflicting reports from Naresh. Initially, he claimed Mamata had taken all her belongings, including her phone, but later said she had not taken her phone. Mamta’s mother is now in the process of securing an emergency visa to travel to the U.S., deeply concerned for her daughter’s safety.
Authorities’ Efforts and Continuing Hope
Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo assured the community that the investigation remains active, with every lead being thoroughly explored. The department has sought assistance from the Virginia State Police and other agencies across the U.S. to locate Bhatt. Details about the investigation are being kept confidential to preserve its integrity.
As the search for Bhatt enters its third week, community members continue to gather outside the Manassas Park Police Department, demanding answers. Some have organized independent search efforts in hopes of finding any clue that might lead to Bhatt’s discovery.
Nadia Navarro, a close friend of Bhatt, remains hopeful. “I’m still hopeful. I believe in miracles,” she said, reflecting the sentiment of many who are desperate for Bhatt’s safe return.
Authorities’ Plea for Information
The Manassas Park Police Department urges anyone with information about Bhatt’s disappearance to come forward. “We are committed to finding Mamta and bringing her home safely,” Chief Lugo stated. “We need the community’s help to achieve this.”
The community remains united in their hope and determination to find Mamta Kafle Bhatt and bring her back to her family. As the search continues, both authorities and the community are determined to find Bhatt and bring her home.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Manassas Park Police Department at (703) 361-1136.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police have committed to providing updates as new information becomes available.
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