In a courtroom drama that has captured public attention, Vandana Bhatt, the former wife of Strictly Come Dancing champion Mark Ramprakash, is facing assault charges following a distressing incident involving her brother. The court case has shed light on a turbulent chapter in the life of the woman who was once married to the cricketing star.
The incident, which took place on July 12, unfolded after Vandana Bhatt, 44, reportedly engaged in an all-day drinking session at her home in Colnhurst Avenue, Watford. Concerned for her well-being, her brother, Nitin Bhatt, rushed to her aid after receiving a distress call from her.
Upon arriving at Vandana’s residence, Nitin discovered her in a semi-conscious state on the sofa, surrounded by empty bottles of alcohol. The situation quickly escalated when Vandana, who was under the influence of alcohol, allegedly demanded more wine from her brother.
What transpired next was nothing short of harrowing. As Nitin attempted to assist Vandana, she reportedly bit down on a thin tumbler glass and used the broken shards to inflict harm on her brother, slashing his arm in the process. The wounds sustained by both parties were said to be significant, with Nitin experiencing “significant blood loss.”
Police arrived at the scene and promptly arrested Vandana Bhatt. Subsequently, she was charged with assault by beating, marking a tumultuous turn of events in her life.
During the trial at St Albans’ Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Harry Snook outlined the circumstances surrounding the incident. He explained that Vandana, at the time, was grappling with alcohol dependency and had been drinking throughout the day. The uncertainty regarding her level of intoxication remains a key point of contention.
Nitin Bhatt, her brother, testified about the distressing attack, revealing the shock and confusion that unfolded before his eyes. He recounted how Vandana had contacted him, pleading for help. Upon reaching her home, he discovered her in a severely intoxicated state, lying amidst scattered alcohol bottles. In an attempt to shield his son from the distressing scene, Nitin sent the young boy upstairs.
The situation took a dark turn when Vandana, grasping a fragile glass, bit into it, causing it to shatter. As a result, she sustained injuries to her mouth and nose. Nitin, recounting the terrifying incident, stated, “She had a very thin glass in her hand. This was behavior I had never seen from her before. She bit into the glass, and part of it disintegrated. She cut her mouth, and she was bleeding from her mouth and nose.”
He continued, “She had been trying to drag herself to the kitchen, but then she got to a height where she lunged at me with the glass.”
Despite the traumatic nature of the incident, Nitin expressed his belief that Vandana did not intend to harm him intentionally.
Vandana Bhatt, who had previously received a “quickee divorce” from Mark Ramprakash in 2010 due to unreasonable behavior, had been experiencing severe weight loss and a lack of appetite in the months leading up to the incident. Her brother, Mr. Bhatt, who had initially provided a witness statement but later retracted it, expressed his opinion that the incident wasn’t motivated by malice but rather a result of shock and adrenaline.
Since the incident, Vandana Bhatt has reportedly made substantial efforts to address her alcohol addiction and has apologized to her brother for the distressing events that transpired.
As the court case continues, it remains a riveting glimpse into the complex dynamics of a family that has faced its fair share of challenges.