Lawyers representing Naresh Bhatt, who faces arrest in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Mamta Kafle, have asserted in court that Mamta is still alive. Naresh’s attorney, Ben Abraham, argued that Mamta left with an unidentified woman on July 27, while Naresh was preparing to depart his home.
Naresh was arrested on September 23 following a forensic analysis that led police to find blood-stained carpets and other evidence at his residence. The police have suggested that these findings indicate Mamta may no longer be alive. Despite this, Abraham contended in court that the evidence did not implicate Naresh in any harm to Mamta.
A case is ongoing against Naresh for allegedly concealing Mamta’s body, with police conducting extensive searches to locate her. Bina Khadka, who attended the court hearing, expressed frustration, questioning why Naresh appeared emotionless and unresponsive regarding his wife’s fate. She also noted that Mamta’s friends were dismayed by her continued absence, especially on their daughter’s first birthday.
Abraham also mentioned that Naresh did not initially report Mamta’s disappearance during a welfare check by the police, attributing this to his belief that she had left before. He argued that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence, delaying the trial.
The prosecution pointed to several incriminating factors, including the significant amount of blood found at Naresh’s home, his Google searches about the timeframe after a spouse’s death, and his actions following Mamta’s disappearance, such as selling his Tesla and attempting to sell his house. Mamta and Naresh, who married four years ago after meeting online, had previously discussed issues of domestic violence and divorce before her disappearance. Mamta’s mother and brother from Panauti, Kavre, have traveled to America to care for the couple’s one-year-old daughter.
