'How soon can you remarry?' Indian-origin man charged with killing wife in US

Husband of Nepalese woman became primary suspect after discovery of alarming evidence, including online searches

Naresh Bhatt, a 33-year-old Indian-origin man from Virginia, is facing charges related to the murder of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who went missing on August 5.

Mamta, 28, originally from Nepal, was last seen on July 29.

Following her disappearance, Bhatt became the primary suspect after investigators discovered alarming evidence, including disturbing online searches he made in the months leading up to her disappearance.

According to prosecutors, Bhatt had searched for topics like “how soon can you remarry after a spouse’s death,” “what happens to debt after a spouse dies,” and “what happens if a spouse disappears in Virginia.”

After Mamta’s disappearance, authorities discovered suspicious actions taken by Bhatt. He had purchased three knives at a local Walmart, two of which remain unaccounted for.

Surveillance footage from another Walmart showed him buying cleaning supplies the day after Mamta went missing. Prosecutors also revealed that Bhatt disposed of a bloodstained bath mat and other items in a trash compactor.

While Mamta’s body has not been found, DNA evidence confirmed that her blood was present in their home, further implicating Bhatt.

Bhatt initially told investigators that he and Mamta were in the process of separating, which added suspicion to his statements. During questioning, he gave unclear explanations about Mamta’s disappearance, delaying the report of her missing status.

Authorities believe that these inconsistencies, combined with the physical evidence, suggest foul play.

A grand jury in Virginia indicted Bhatt on charges of murder, defiling a body, and concealing a body. The evidence against him includes the disturbing online searches, the surveillance footage, and the discovery of Mamta’s blood in the home.

While Bhatt’s attorneys argue that Mamta is still alive, the DNA evidence strengthens the case against him, despite her body not being recovered.

Bhatt was arrested on August 22 after a search of their home, and he has remained in custody ever since, having been denied bail in September. Surveillance footage showing Bhatt disposing of trash bags further raised suspicions that Mamta was murdered by her husband.

Authorities continue to search for Mamta’s body, and the investigation is ongoing as Bhatt faces multiple felony charges in the Prince William County Circuit Court