Two women were killed and a man seriously injured after a family member turned violent on Monday morning in a horrific domestic violence incident in Mantua, Virginia. The Fairfax County Police Department identified the victims as 33-year-old Mamta Thapa and her mother Binda Thapa, 52, who were stabbed to death by Mamta’s father, 54-year-old Chhatra Thapa. Police shot the suspect after an officer arrived at the scene.
The incident came to light around 5 a.m. on February 23, when police received two separate 911 calls reporting a violent assault inside the family’s home. Mamta’s husband, who was also attacked, suffered life-threatening injuries and is currently hospitalized. Police confirmed that Mamata’s 1-year-old child was present during the attack but was not physically harmed.
According to Fairfax County Police, Mamata’s husband was clearing snow from his car outside when he heard a noise coming from inside the house. Upon going inside, she witnessed a scene of brutal violence in which her father-in-law had attacked Mamata, her mother and herself. “The kid was right in the middle of it all… [and] His father-in-law was killing his family,” Police Chief Kevin Davis said, recalling disturbing details of the scene.
In an attempt to stop the attack, Mamata’s husband tried to intervene, but Chhatra immediately attacked with a weapon described as a “curved dagger” resembling a meat-cutting knife. As soon as the officers reached the spot, they found Chhatra still attacking his son-in-law. Despite multiple orders to drop the weapon, Chhatra refused, prompting the officer to open fire.
As is standard procedure following the use of deadly force, the officer-involved shooting is now being investigated by multiple police divisions, including the Major Crimes Bureau and the Internal Affairs Bureau.
Mamta Thapa, a nurse and digital content creator, had shared her life with her family and followers on social media, and documented her experiences as a mother to her young son. Authorities have since taken custody of her child, with child protective services and extended family members stepping in to provide care.
The motive behind the attack is unclear and Fairfax County Police have said the incident appears to be domestic-related. As the investigation continues, both the community and law enforcement grapple with the devastating loss of two lives and the tragic turn of events within the Thapa family.
This case is a painful reminder of the risks and consequences of domestic violence, with the tragic deaths of Mamata and Binda Thapa highlighting the profound impact such violence can have on families and communities.