We at Sakhi stand in solidarity with the family and community of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a beloved mother, nurse, and cherished member of the Nepalese community. Mamta was last seen on July 27, 2024, at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas, Virginia, where she worked as a dedicated nurse. Since then, she has not been heard from or seen, leaving behind her young daughter and many unanswered questions.
Despite exhaustive efforts by law enforcement and the community to locate Mamta, her whereabouts remain unknown. As of August 22nd, her husband, Naresh Bhatt, has been charged with felony concealment of a body, and evidence continues to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. The arrest of Naresh Bhatt is a reminder of the critical importance of addressing intimate-partner violence in our community. We must reaffirm our commitment to supporting survivors and their families.
Sakhi stands with Mamta’s family and friends as they grapple with this profound loss and uncertainty. Mamta’s loved ones, friends, and the wider community are deeply affected by this tragedy, and we recognize the courage and resilience required to navigate this difficult time.
Let us remember Mamta for her kindness, dedication, and love for her daughter. Let us honor her memory by continuing to fight for justice, safety, and dignity for all survivors of violence.
At Sakhi, we will continue to provide survivor-centered and culturally competent resources and services and prevention programs to work towards eradicating the root causes of gender-based violence. Our programs are available in six South Asian languages, including Nepali, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujarati.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or needs support, please contact Sakhi at (212) 868-6741 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233 for assistance.