MANASSAS PARK, Va. (Diya TV) — A grand jury has charged Naresh Bhatt, 37, with first-degree murder and desecration of a dead body in the disappearance of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 28, last seen in late July.
Mamta, a pediatric nurse and mother to a one-year-old daughter, was reported missing on August 5. Inquiries showed signs of a fierce struggle in the couple’s apartment, with Mamta’s blood found in the bedroom and bathroom. Authorities have reason to believe she was dismembered and killed inside the home.
Before Mamta disappeared, Naresh made online searches, such as queries regarding the time frame for remarriage after the death of a spouse. He was also observed buying knives and cleaning materials when she disappeared.
Even after thorough searches, Mamta’s body has not been found. Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo, however, was optimistic about the case, saying, “I feel we have a strong case for not having the body.“
Naresh was originally accused of hiding a corpse and has been in jail since August. He is due to go on trial on September 8, 2025. The couple’s child is now in Mamta’s family’s care.
