Naresh Bhatt, the husband of Mamta Kafle Bhatt (pictured), was charged with hiding her body as prosecutors charged him with murder after her disappearance. Photo: Manassas Police Department
Aug. 23 (UPI) – Prosecutors in Prince William County, Virginia, on Friday charged the husband of a missing nurse with murder, according to court documents.
Naresh Bhatt appeared in court Friday after being arrested by Manassas Park police this week and charged with concealing a corpse. The incident came following the investigation into the disappearance of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a pediatric nurse who has not been seen since July 27 and has been the subject of a large-scale manhunt since then.
In court on Friday, prosecutors said digital and forensic evidence led them to believe Mamta Kafle Bhatt was in the couple’s home at the time of her death and was subsequently dragged out of the house.
Prosecutors said Naresh bought three knives days before the murder but found only one during a search of the house. They said he gave conflicting accounts about when he last saw his wife.
The prosecution confirmed during the hearing that Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s body has not been found. The couple has a one-year-old daughter who is currently in the care of the social welfare office.
“I recognize and respect the public’s concerns. However, I assure you all that this investigation, while limited by the ongoing investigation and process, is the top priority of the Police Department,” Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo said Thursday, according to WUSA-TV.
“The Manassas Park Police Department is still investigating the disappearance of Mamta Kafle Bhatt and hopes to locate her,” the department’s latest statement said, according to NBC News.
“Further investigative avenues are being actively pursued, which may lead to further charges.”
A GoFundMe.com page set up to support the search has raised around $14,000.
