Manassas Park, VA – The investigation into the mysterious disappearance of 28-year-old Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a Manassas Park woman of Nepali origin, took a significant turn Thursday morning as her husband, Naresh Bhatt, was seen in handcuffs and placed into a police cruiser outside their home. The incident, captured by 7News cameras, occurred just a day after police executed a search warrant at the couple’s residence.

Mamta Bhatt has been missing since July 31, and her disappearance has left the community on edge. According to the Manassas Park Police Department (MPPD), officers initially visited the Bhatt residence on August 2 in response to a welfare check requested by Mamta’s employer. Despite her prolonged absence, Naresh did not report his wife missing until three days later, on August 5.

The timeline of Mamta’s disappearance is both puzzling and troubling:

• July 27: Mamta was last seen at the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center.
• July 28: Mamta spoke to a friend, the last known contact with anyone other than her husband.
• July 31: Naresh claims to have seen Mamta for the last time.
• August 2: Police responded to a welfare check at the Bhatt residence but Naresh declined to report her missing.
• August 5: Naresh officially reported Mamta as missing.
• August 5-8: Detectives conducted an “extensive” investigation into Mamta’s disappearance.
• August 21: Police executed a search warrant at the Bhatt home and identified Naresh as a person of interest, citing his lack of cooperation.
• August 22: Naresh was seen being detained by MPPD officers.

Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo addressed the media during a press conference on Wednesday night, revealing that the department had pursued numerous leads, conducted over 10 search warrants, and interviewed hundreds of individuals in connection with the case. Chief Lugo also confirmed that Naresh Bhatt had been identified as a person of interest and was not cooperating with the investigation.

As of Thursday morning, police have not confirmed whether Naresh has been formally arrested or the specific reasons for his detainment. The situation remains fluid, with 7News actively seeking further information.

Since Mamta’s disappearance, the Manassas Park community has rallied in support of the search efforts, with residents and volunteers working tirelessly to find her. The MPPD continues to encourage anyone with information to come forward as the investigation into this troubling case continues.( WJLA/7News)