The husband of a 28-year-old Virginia woman who has been missing for more than three weeks was arrested at their home Thursday and charged with concealing her body.
Identified as Naresh Bhatt, he was charged with prohibition of concealing the body of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who was reported missing on Aug. 5, Manassas Park officials said.
The woman was last seen at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas, where she worked as a nurse, on July 27, and last spoke to a friend the next day, according to police. Her husband had said he last saw her on July 31.
Likewise, Mario Lugo, Chief of Police of Manassas Park, Mamta Bhatt is now presumed dead.
Prosecutors alleged at the suspect’s arraignment that he was seen at Walmart buying a three-pack of knives on July 30 and returned the next day to buy cleaning supplies.
Authorities said officers conducted a welfare check at the couple’s home on Aug. 2 and spoke to the man, but he did not want his wife reported missing at that time. The couple has a 1-year-old daughter.
Prosecutors said that during his initial visit, the suspect told officers that his wife had gone to see relatives in New York or Texas and that he had broken her cellphone before leaving. But investigators learned that Mamta Bhatt had no relatives in those states.
Naresh Bhatt reported his wife missing on Aug. 5 and was cooperating with the investigation at the time, officials said Aug. 15.
In an interview, the man said he last saw his wife at a dinner party on July 31 and said she had disappeared three times before, but had never been out of contact for so long.
At a vigil for his wife on August 14, Naresh Bhatt told those present that “he was the one who was suffering” and asked for his wife to return.
“Hey, come back. It’s me and my baby, we’re waiting for you every second, every minute. If you’re listening, we’re waiting for you here. We need you,” she said.
Prosecutors noted at Friday’s arraignment that Bhatt had sold his Tesla on Aug. 19 and had tried to sell his home, Huffpost reported.
Mannassas Park police said investigators searched the couple’s property on Aug. 21 and obtained additional evidence that led to their arrest. Detectives noticed a packed suitcase in the home and said Naresh Bhatt’s “passport” was “available upon entry.”
They also reported that officers found pools of blood in the master bedroom leading to the bathroom, according to court documents. Officers said in the documents that they believed the body had been dragged through the residence.
Authorities said Naresh Bhatt could face additional charges pending investigations. The couple’s daughter was placed in the care of an approved social services representative.
Bhatt is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 24 for an adjudication hearing. His lawyer told the court there is not enough evidence, including a confession, to prove his guilt.
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