Husband of Missing Virginia Mom Mamta to Appear in Court Thursday After Filing Motion to Bypass Grand Jury

Naresh Bhatt, who was arrested for concealing the body of his missing wife, Nepali nurse Mamta Kafle, will appear in court on Thursday. His lawyer has filed a motion to waive his right to a grand jury, which would allow the case to head directly to trial. The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m.

Last Thursday, the court accepted a motion to cancel the October 24 preliminary hearing, scheduling a grand jury for October 7 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 2 of the Prince William County Judicial Center, with a further hearing on October 8 in Courtroom 4. If the motion to waive the grand jury is granted, the case will proceed more quickly.

Prosecutors did not object to Naresh’s motion at the last hearing, leading to the approval of the waiver for the preliminary hearing. Naresh’s defense team aims to expedite the court process by moving directly to the trial stage.

Manassas Park police continue to search for evidence in Mamta’s disappearance, recently searching Signal Hill Park. Additional charges may be filed against Naresh, who remains in custody without bail, deemed a flight risk and a danger to the community.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Naresh had searched online about remarrying after his wife’s death. Prosecutor  indicated that the blood found in the master bedroom and bathroom suggested life-threatening injuries to Mamta.

The defense argues that the case was driven by public anger and media pressure, while the prosecution maintains that the evidence, including blood and internet search history, is sufficient for further charges.

Naresh’s lawyer claims he has no plans to flee, despite selling his Tesla and discussing the sale of his house. The prosecution highlighted a troubled relationship between Mamta and Naresh, with past incidents of domestic violence.

Mamta, an active social media user, stopped using her phone on July 29, with the last connection near Loudon County on August 1. Blood traces and signs of a struggle were found in their home, with cleaning materials discovered in the bedroom.

Naresh faces a sixth-degree felony charge for hiding the body, carrying a sentence of 1 to 5 years in prison. Mamta’s condition remains unknown, with no signs of her being alive since her disappearance on July 31.