Search for Mamta Kafle Bhatt: police shut down Virginia park to look for her body
Mamta Kafle Bhatt disappearance; Signal Hill Park in Manassas searched for evidence
Manassas Park Police officers and Prince William County officers spent the afternoon and early evening combing through the park, searching for evidence related to the disappearance of 28-year-old nurse Mamta Kafle Bhatt.
Manassas Park Police shut down Signal Hill Park Friday to conduct an extensive search – that lasted nearly three hours – for missing mom, Mamta Kafle Bhatt's body.
The community now eagerly awaits updates on the investigation.
Manassas Park Police officers and Prince William County officers spent the afternoon and early evening combing through the park, searching for evidence related to the disappearance of the 28-year-old nurse.
Dozens of community members gathered across the street from the park, urging police not to give up the search for their friend, Mamta Kafle. They made their presence known, voicing their determination to see justice served with signs and chants.
Some residents feel the investigation has taken too long.
Inside Signal Hill Park, officers and rescue teams scoured wooded areas and fields on foot, hoping to find Mamta's body. According to Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo, detectives received information that led them to the park, located about a mile from Mamta's home.
"I'm sick to my stomach. I feel like they are here for a reason. Something brought them here," said community member Tanya Rivera.
Chief Lugo stated that detectives are currently processing items collected during Friday's search to determine if they are connected to Mamta's disappearance.
"On one hand, I feel as though it's really, really sad if they find her body, but at the end of the day, we need to bring her home to her daughter," added Rivera.
New photo evidence released in Mamta Kafle Bhatt's disappearance
New photo evidence in Naresh Bhatt's court documents shows what appears to be blood stains from the Manassas Park home.
Mamta's 1-year-old daughter, Neema, is reportedly safe and in the care of her grandmother, who arrived from Nepal.
Mamta's husband, Naresh Bhatt, is currently in jail on charges of concealing her body, though no murder charges have been filed. FOX 5 obtained court documents showing photo evidence from the couple's home, including bloodstains.
As the investigation continues, the tight-knit community remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for Mamta.
"It's important for us to keep the pressure on, even as far as the police are concerned. They need to know that this is not something we are going to say 'oh well' to," Rivera emphasized.
Naresh Bhatt was in court earlier this week, where he waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His next appearance is scheduled for Oct. 8th, when he will face a grand jury.
This is a developing story. Check back with FOX 5 for updates.