Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a 28-year-old mother from Virginia, has been missing for over three weeks. Her husband, Naresh Bhatt, has been charged with concealing a body in relation to her disappearance, according to police. Naresh Bhatt was arrested outside their home on Thursday morning. He is facing a felony charge for concealing a body, as stated by Manassas Park Police. The whereabouts of Mamta Kafle Bhatt remain unknown, and the investigation continues.
Video footage shows an infant being carried out of the couple’s home under a yellow blanket. The couple’s young daughter is now in the care of a Department of Social Services-approved caregiver. Detectives searched the couple’s home on Wednesday, though no specifics were provided about the evidence leading to Naresh Bhatt’s arrest. Naresh Bhatt last saw his wife at the dinner table over three weeks ago. Afterward, he ceased cooperating with investigators, who searched the home on Wednesday.
Mamta Kafle Bhatt was last seen on July 27 at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas. She spoke with a friend the next day, and her husband last saw her on July 31. On August 2, police conducted a welfare check at the couple’s home. Naresh Bhatt gave additional information but did not report her missing at that time. He officially reported her missing on August 5.
Mamta Kafle & her husband Naresh Bhatt bought their Heather Court Manassas Park Virginia home in August 2023.
Bhatt claims he last saw his wife home on July 31st 2024, then she vanished.
Bhatt drives a blue Tesla.
They have a 11-month-old child.https://t.co/VjY9bc4FCE https://t.co/vYiLl9jZok pic.twitter.com/focqWPPkad— JLR© (@JLRINVESTIGATES) August 16, 2024
Kafle Bhatt’s colleagues requested the welfare check, according to a report. Detectives conducted a thorough investigation from August 5-8 and found a significant lack of recent contact between Kafle Bhatt and her family, friends, employer, and on social media. Her status was then elevated to involuntary/critical missing person.
During a Wednesday news conference, Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and remains a top priority. Investigators have executed 10 search warrants and conducted hundreds of interviews related to the case.
When asked if there was a person of interest in Kafle Bhatt’s disappearance, Chief Lugo confirmed that Naresh Bhatt has been a point of interest and has not been cooperative with police. This contrasts with an earlier statement on August 15, where police indicated that the husband, friends, and co-workers had been cooperative.
BREAKING: Naresh Bhatt taken out in handcuffs, his baby put in care of, as it appears child protective services. Prior to this police say he was person of interest in disappearance of his wife, Mamta Bhatt who’s been missing for about 3 weeks. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/GXQt6GipVh
— Jacqueline Quynh (@jquynhreports) August 22, 2024
A news agency reached out to Manassas Park Police for an update on the search warrant, which was expected to take three to four hours to complete. Naresh Bhatt expressed his concerns in an interview, noting that this was not the first time his wife had gone missing, though she had never been gone this long before.
Naresh Bhatt is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday morning. Madan Uprety, president of the Nepali American Community Center in Manassas, mentioned that the group is in daily communication with police for updates on the investigation.
A friend started a community Facebook group on August 10 to raise awareness and coordinate search efforts for Kafle Bhatt. The page has been updated daily with flyer distribution, search and rescue details, and photos of Kafle Bhatt. A GoFundMe has also been launched to support the search efforts.
Anyone with information on Kafle Bhatt’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Manassas Park Police at 703-361-1136. Anonymous tips can be shared with Manassas Park Crime Solvers at 703-330-0330 or manassascrimesolvers.org.
What Other Media Are Saying
- InsideNoVa reports on the arrest of Naresh Bhatt, husband of missing Mamta Kafle, for concealing a dead body, as a search warrant was executed at their home, and authorities do not know if Mamta is dead or alive.(read more)
- FOX9 reports on Naresh Bhatt, charged with concealing a dead body related to his wife Mamta Kafle’s disappearance, as police continue to search for her.(read more)
- NBC Washington reports that Naresh Bhatt, the husband of missing Manassas Park woman Mamta Kafle Bhatt, was taken away in handcuffs on Thursday morning and charged with concealment of a dead body.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Mamta Kafle Bhatt?
Mamta Kafle Bhatt is a 28-year-old mother from Virginia who has been missing for over three weeks.
What charges is Naresh Bhatt facing?
Naresh Bhatt is facing a felony charge of prohibition against concealment of a body.
When was Mamta Kafle Bhatt last seen?
Mamta Kafle Bhatt was last seen on July 27 at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas.
Who is taking care of the couple’s young daughter?
The couple’s young daughter is being looked after by a caregiver approved by the Department of Social Services.
How can someone provide tips or information on Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s whereabouts?
Tips can be shared with Manassas Park Police at 703-361-1136 or anonymously with Manassas Park Crime Solvers at 703-330-0330.