Virginia man charged with hiding body of missing wife

Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Prince William County prosecutors in Virginia accused the husband of a missing nurse of murder Friday, according to court documents.

Naresh Bhatt appeared before a judge Friday after he was arrested this week by Manassas Park Police and charged with concealing a dead body after an investigation into the disappearance of his wife Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a pediatric nurse who has not been seen since July 27. She has been the subject of a massive search since then.

In court on Friday, prosecutors said digital and forensic evidence leads them to believe that Mamta Kafle Bhatt was inside the couple's home at the time of her death and she was then dragged from the residence.

Prosecutors said Naresh had purchased three knives days before the murder but only found one during a search of the home. They said he gave conflicting stories over the last time he saw his wife.

Prosecutors confirmed during the hearing that Mamta Kafle Bhatt's body has not been recovered. The couple has a 1-year-old daughter who is now in the care of the Department of Social Services.

"While I acknowledge and respect the public's concerns for answers, I assure each of you that although these answers are limited by this continuing to be an active investigation and process this investigation remains a top priority for this police department," Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo said, according to WUSA-TV on Thursday .

"The Manassas Park Police Department is still investigating the disappearance of Mamta Kafle Bhatt and hoping to locate her," the department said in its latest statement, according to NBC News .

"There are additional investigative leads being actively pursued and may result in additional charges being brought."

A GoFundMe.com page created to help in the search had raised about $14,000.