Naresh Bhatt Arraigned for Murdering Wife Mamta Kafle; Police Believe She Was Killed at Home and Her Body Dragged Out

Naresh Bhatt, the husband of missing Nepali nurse Mamta Kafle, was arraigned in court on Friday morning on a felony charge of Prohibition Against Concealment of a Dead Body, in violation of Section 18.2-323.02 of the Code of Virginia. The arraignment took place at 8:31 AM, according to records from the Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Bhatt’s next court hearing is scheduled for October 24.

Court documents reveal that on or about July 30, 2024, Naresh Bhatt allegedly murdered his wife, Mamta Bhatt, at their residence. During the investigation, authorities uncovered significant digital and forensic evidence suggesting her death. Evidence from the home indicated that the body had been inside the residence and was later dragged out.

Additionally, it was discovered that Bhatt had purchased three knives and cleaning supplies from a different location. Investigators also found what appeared to be blood in the master bedroom and bathroom.

When Bhatt appeared in court for the first time, he requested a Nepali interpreter, citing his limited proficiency in English. He has been charged with a sixth-degree felony for concealing the body, which, under Virginia law, carries a potential sentence of 1 to 5 years in prison. Police have noted that the charges may be amended or additional charges could be filed.

Bhatt was arrested by Manassas Park Police on Thursday morning and is currently being held without bail. As part of the investigation, Bhatt’s one-year-old daughter was taken into the care of the Department of Social Services. The child, who was safely removed from the home, is now under the care of an approved caregiver.

Authorities arrested Bhatt after an overnight search of his home, suspecting his involvement in Mamta Kafle’s disappearance. He was taken into custody around 10:45 AM on Thursday.

The whereabouts of Mamta Kafle remain unknown, and police have indicated that there are no signs she is alive, leading them to operate under the assumption that she is deceased. The investigation by Manassas Park Police has been complicated by Bhatt’s lack of cooperation. Officers initially visited the couple’s home on August 2 after Kafle was reported missing on July 31, but Bhatt declined to file a missing person report at that time. It wasn’t until August 5 that Bhatt contacted the police to report his wife missing.

Meanwhile, Kafle’s mother has reportedly received a U.S. visa, according to friends of Mamta. An emergency appointment was secured at the American Embassy in Kathmandu for the visa, though it remains unclear when she will arrive in the United States.