A Virginia man is in serious murder charges linked to the mysterious disappearance of his wife, 28-year-old Mamta Kafle Bhatt, originally from Nepal. Naresh Bhatt, 33, has been accused of killing Mamta, with prosecutors revealing unsettling details surrounding the case. Allegations have surfaced that Naresh conducted online searches for “how soon can you remarry after a spouse’s death” and purchased suspicious items shortly after Mamta went missing.
According to court records, Bhatt has been charged with two felonies in Prince William County Circuit Court. Mamta was last seen on July 29. Her body remains missing.
A grand jury in Virginia has indicted Bhatt, of Manassas Park, on murder and defiling a body charges after evidence of foul play emerged. This evidence includes concerning purchases and online activity in the days after Mamta’s disappearance.
She was reported missing on August 5 after failing to show up for work, which led to a welfare check by local police. In addition to murder, Bhatt is accused of concealing a body and is due in court on the charges.
During police questioning, Bhatt claimed that he and Mamta were in the process of separating. Prosecutors allege that in the months leading up to her disappearance, he searched for terms such as “How long does it take to get married after a spouse dies” and “What happens if a spouse disappears in Virginia.”
Evidence showed that Bhatt bought three knives from a local Walmart; two remain unaccounted for. He was also recorded buying cleaning supplies at another Walmart the day after Mamta was reported missing.
Prosecutors said Bhatt threw away a bloody bath mat and other evidence in a trash compactor after his wife vanished. Although attorneys for Bhatt said Mamta is alive, DNA evidence confirming her blood was found in the couple’s home, strongly indicates she was murdered and dismembered. This evidence has substantially bolstered the case against him despite not having her remains.
