A potential lead may assist authorities in their ongoing search for Mamta Kafle, a 28-year-old nurse and mother from Virginia who has been missing for over a month. The Manassas Park Police Department shared on Tuesday via Facebook that they received “helpful information” that could provide a breakthrough in the case.
In an effort to gather more details, police are urging anyone who had contact with Kafle’s husband, Naresh Bhatt, between July 28 and August 5, 2024, to come forward. Authorities also reminded those who have not yet spoken with detectives to reach out to the department at 703-361-1136. told WUSA9.
Kafle was last seen on July 31, and her disappearance has since been classified as a critical missing person case. Since then, law enforcement has conducted extensive searches in the Manassas area, focusing on locations such as the Blooms Crossing Community, Manassas Christian School, Camp Carondelet, and parts of Blooms Park.
A timeline provided by investigators indicates that Kafle was last seen at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center on July 27. She spoke with a friend the following day and was last seen by Bhatt on July 31. On August 2, police performed a welfare check at their residence, but Bhatt did not report her as missing. He officially reported Kafle missing on August 5, after which the case was upgraded to an “involuntary/critical missing” status.
In a shocking development, Bhatt was later arrested on a felony charge of concealing a dead body in connection with his wife’s disappearance. He is now accused of killing Kafle and remains in custody. Prosecutors are gathering additional evidence, including phone records, while Bhatt’s legal team has requested a speedy trial. Investigators have also released images showing bloodstains found in the couple’s bedroom and bathroom. Bhatt has waived his right to a grand jury trial and preliminary hearing, indicating his desire for the case to proceed quickly.