Missing Virginia mother Mamta Kafle Bhatt is now presumed dead, as confirmed by Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo on Thursday. The investigation into her disappearance is ongoing, and authorities continue to search for her.
Her husband, Naresh Bhatt, was charged on Thursday with a felony for Prohibition Against Concealment of a Dead Body in connection with her case. This charge is applicable to anyone who conceals or alters a dead body with malicious intent.
An updated timeline from the police revealed that 28-year-old Mamta was last seen on July 28, with her last known communication occurring on July 29. Naresh reported that he last saw her on July 31.
Concerned for Mamta’s welfare, authorities conducted a check on August 2, following a request from her employer. However, Naresh did not report her missing until August 5, three days later.
Police indicated that further investigative leads may result in additional charges against Naresh, who is currently held without bond and is scheduled for arraignment in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on Friday.
On Thursday, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County, Amy Ashworth, mentioned that authorities are uncertain about Mamta’s status, but Chief Lugo declared her presumed dead. The department remains committed to locating her and uncovering details surrounding her disappearance.
Following a search warrant executed at the couple’s home on Wednesday, Naresh was taken into custody. During this operation, police also removed Mamta’s daughter, who was found safe and is now under the care of the Department of Social Services.
Mamta’s mother, residing in Nepal, is seeking an emergency visa to travel to the United States in order to secure custody of her granddaughter. Her immigration attorney, Bandita Sharma Dhal, emphasized her mother’s urgent desire to care for the child, hoping to expedite the visa process through the U.S. embassy.
During a press conference on Wednesday night, Chief Lugo reported that the police had pursued numerous leads and executed over ten search warrants related to the case, while also conducting hundreds of interviews.
It was noted that Naresh had not been cooperating with the investigation and was identified as a person of interest.
The timeline of Mamta’s disappearance is as follows:
– July 27: Mamta was seen at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center.
– July 28: Mamta spoke with a friend.
– July 31: Naresh last saw Mamta.
– August 2: Police performed a welfare check; Naresh did not report her missing.
– August 5: Naresh officially reported Mamta missing.
– August 5-8: Detectives conducted a thorough investigation.
– August 21: Police executed a search warrant and named Naresh as a person of interest.
– August 22: Naresh was taken into custody.
Since Mamta’s disappearance, the local community has rallied to support the search efforts, leaving residents deeply affected by the situation. A memorial was started outside Mamta’s home in her honor.