Stabbing victims honored at a vigil
About a hundred people paid their respects at a vigil for the two women who were stabbed to death at their Fairfax home on Feb. 23.
Chhatra Thapa, 54, brutally murdered his wife, Binda, and daughter, Mamta, with a butcher knife. He was in the process of stabbing Mamta’s husband, Santosh Basnet, when police arrived.
Related story: Man who stabbed family members to death killed by police
The first responder, Police Officer First Class Nicholas Brazones, of the Mason Police District, shot and killed Chhatra, saving the life of Basnet. Brazones, who’d been on the force for two and a half years, is on restricted-duty status while the investigation continues.
The vigil, on March 6 at the Margate Manor Apartments, was organized by Prabha Bhattarai, founder and president of the PKP Tender Hearts Foundation, an organization that supports the Nepalese community.
Leaders and members of Nepali organizations, relatives, and neighbors offered prayers and remembrances at the vigil. Satosh’s sister, Dikshas Basnet, came from San Francisco for the event. A large contingent of police officers attended as well, including Chief Kevin Davis and PFC Ryan Matthew Lacey, who saved Mamta and Santosh’s 1-year-old baby during the crisis.
The baby, who was unharmed, is staying with a cousin in Centreville until Santosh is well enough to take care of him.
Bhattarai said Santosh has undergone more than five surgeries at Inova Fairfax Hospital and is now at a rehab facility. “He is getting better but still has a long way to go,” she said.
Mamta and Santosh immigrated from Nepal about eight years ago, Bhattarai said. Santosh Basnet worked at Campaign Mail and Data Inc., and Mamta was a licensed practical nurse. Her parents, Chhatra and Binda Thapa, came from Nepal in November to live with them.
A GoFundMe campaign has so far generated more than $45,000 for funeral expenses, Basnet’s medical treatment and rehabilitation, counseling and long-term support for the baby, and legal and other emergency needs. The funeral won’t be held until Mamta’s brother can travel here from Nepal
Related story: Nepali community seeks funds for family of stabbing victims
According to Bhattarai, Mamta’s father didn’t have a history of violence.
She urged community members to speak up if they or someone they know is a victim of domestic violence. The Tender Hearts Foundation is co-sponsoring a workshop on domestic violence at the Centreville Regional Library on March 15, 10 a.m.-noon, along with the Fairfax County Health Department and the Department of Family Services. Contact: Prabha Deuja, 571-331-5412.