Trial Set For Mamta Kafle Bhatt's Husband As Police Follow Leads

MANASSAS PARK, VA — A trial for the husband of missing Manassas Park mother Mamta Kafle Bhatt has been set for December. Her husband, Naresh Bhatt, was arrested on Aug. 22 and charged with concealing a dead body.

According to Prince William County Circuit Court records, the has not been charged with murder, although police have not found Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who they presum to be dead.

Advocates for Mamta Kafle Bhatt were not happy with the early trial date, which gives less time for prosecutors to prepare their case against Naresh Bhatt, according to WTOP. The defense for Naresh Bhatt has sought a quicker trial.

Meanwhile, Manassas Park Police said last Tuesday that a helpful tip in the case was provided to police. On Thursday, Manassas Park and Prince William County Police conducted a second search warrant at the Bhatts' Heather Court home in Manassas Park.

Investigators said they would not disclose what evidence led them to do carry out another search. Police have been searching various locations for the missing woman's body.

Police are seeking information from those who had contact with Naresh Bhatt between July 28 and Aug. 5. Information may be provided to Manassas Park Police at 703-361-1136.

Kafle Bhatt, 28, a registered nurse, was last seen at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center on July 27. Her friend, Nadia Navarro, heard from her on July 28. Police did a welfare check on Aug. 2, but Bhatt declined to report his wife as missing at that time.

Bhatt reported her missing on Aug. 5 and claimed to have last seen her on July 31.

At a hearing last Friday, Naresh Bhatt's defense attorney claimed Mamta was still alive and cited video footage. A judge ordered prosecutors to give the defense video showing Mamta getting into an unknown vehicle after work at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center on July 27, WTOP reported.

According to an InsideNoVA report, prosecutors said blood was found in the couple's bedroom and it appeared that someone may have been "dragged" across the floor. Prosecutors also presented evidence showing Bhatt purchased three knives on July 30, two of which were not found when the home was searched. Prosecutors also presented evidence showing Bhatt purchased three knives on July 30, two of which were not found when the home was searched.

He was also seen on camera buying cleaning supplies at a Loudoun County Walmart on July 31, the report said.

Additionally, authorities found a packed suitcase in the home and Bhatt reportedly sold his Tesla and attempted to sell his house in recent weeks, InsideNoVA reported.

Holly Wirth, who had formerly worked with Mamta, told WTOP that prosecutors have said that Mamta had experienced domestic violence. A domestic violence forum will be held Sept. 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Manassas Park Community Center banquet hall.