Virginia man accused of murdering wife after Googling how soon he could remarry
PTC Web Desk: A Virginia man is facing chilling murder charges after his wife’s disappearance, with investigators uncovering shocking evidence. Naresh Bhatt, 33, is accused of killing his wife, 28-year-old Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a Nepalese native, and hiding her body. Prosecutors revealed that Bhatt searched online for "how soon can you remarry after a spouse's death" and made suspicious purchases, including knives and cleaning supplies, shortly after Mamta vanished.
Mamta, last seen on July 29, was reported missing on August 5 when she failed to show up for work. Her disappearance prompted a wellness check, but her body remains unrecovered.
Court records show Naresh Bhatt has been charged with two felonies—murder and defiling a body—by a grand jury in Prince William County. Additional evidence includes surveillance footage of Bhatt buying knives at Walmart, two of which are still missing. The next day, he was seen purchasing cleaning supplies and later disposing of bloodstained items, including a bath mat, in a trash compactor.
DNA evidence confirmed Mamta’s blood was found in their home, strengthening the case against Bhatt. Prosecutors allege that in April, he conducted online searches such as "What happens if a spouse disappears in Virginia" and "What happens to debt after a spouse dies."
While Bhatt claims Mamta is still alive and maintains the couple was separating, the police arrested him on August 22 after searching their home. Surveillance footage of Bhatt discarding trash bags and his delayed report of Mamta’s disappearance have raised further suspicions. Bhatt remains in custody, denied bail since September, as investigators continue their search for Mamta.
- With inputs from agencies
