The Manassas Park Police Department in Virginia has shared a positive update regarding the ongoing search for Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who has been missing since July 31. Her husband, Naresh Bhatt, is currently awaiting trial after being charged with concealing a dead body.
On Tuesday, the police announced they are still receiving valuable tips related to Mamta’s disappearance. Naresh was arrested on August 22 at their home, and police are actively encouraging anyone with information—especially those who haven’t yet spoken with detectives—to come forward.
Despite ongoing investigations, Mamta’s body has not yet been located. Last week, Naresh’s defense argued that the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to charge him, requesting the court to compel the prosecutors to present evidence that might support his case.
On August 2, three days after she went missing, authorities conducted a wellness check at the couple’s residence. Naresh initially resisted reporting her as missing but did so officially on August 5. Following this, police discovered disturbing evidence in their home, including blood traces and signs that suggested a body may have been moved.
Naresh’s public defender, Shalev Ben-Avraham, has been working to speed up the legal proceedings. In a noted move, Naresh has waived his preliminary hearing and grand jury indictment to hasten the process. As he awaits trial, Virginia law mandates that prosecutors must bring the case to trial within five months.
In a motion filed by the defense, there were claims that the prosecution is struggling to prove that Mamta is deceased. The motion pointed out that Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth expressed uncertainty regarding her status after Naresh’s arrest, but she has since refrained from commenting publicly.
Naresh is expected back in court on September 16 as both sides negotiate a trial start date. The defense is proposing December or early January, while the prosecution is suggesting late January or early February.
About The Couple
Mamta and Naresh Bhatt, who have been married for three years, hail from Nepal. Naresh is a veteran of the U.S. Army, often sharing photos in uniform on social media. Mamta worked as a pediatric nurse at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center and previously at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.
The couple has a 1-year-old daughter, and nearly a month after Mamta’s disappearance, her family from Nepal was able to arrive in the U.S. Community support has been requested as they navigate this difficult time, and they are asking for privacy.
Currently, “Mini Mamta,” as she’s affectionately known, will remain with her mother’s family, but there are complexities regarding her custody due to Naresh still being her legal father.
Anyone with information about Mamta Kafle or the case is urged to reach out to the Manassas Park Police Department at 703-361-1136 or submit anonymous tips to the Manassas City/Manassas Park Crime Solvers at 703-330-0330 or through their website.