Manassas Park Police, with assistance from Prince William County Police and their Cadets, have closed Signal Hill Park on Signal View Drive in Manassas Park. The park, located approximately a mile and a half from the home of missing mother Mamta Kafle Bhatt, is closed immediately. Bhatt, a frequent visitor to the park, has been missing, triggering extensive searches.

Authorities have established a command post within the park’s pavilion, which notably hosted a vigil for Kaffle Bhatt last Saturday, drawing 800 attendees.

Officials have not disclosed the duration of the park closure. However, the closure will affect tonight’s and possibly tomorrow’s soccer activities by the Northern Virginia Soccer Club at the park’s fields.

It’s the first search for Kaffle Bhatt conducted by police. Volunteer residents organized previous searches.

We’ll bring you more updates as we have them.

Meanwhile, during a recent hearing in Prince William Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on Thursday, August 29, Judge Katherine C. McCollam dealt directly with Naresh Bhatt, a 37-year-old man accused in his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s disappearance, related to the charge of concealing a dead body. Bhatt, who communicated through an interpreter, waived his right to a preliminary hearing, a move that accelerates the case’s progression directly to a grand jury, Insidenova.com reported.

The defense, led by Senior Assistant Public Defender Shalev Ben-Avraham, is pushing for a swift trial, suggesting that the evidence against Bhatt is weak and that a quick trial would prevent the commonwealth from solidifying their case. This sentiment was echoed by Holly Wirth, a former coworker of Mamta Bhatt at Inova Health System, during a news conference, indicating that while the current charge is serious, more severe charges are likely forthcoming.

Chief Mario Lugo of the Manassas Park Police addressed the media on Tuesday, providing updates on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, last seen over a month ago. Her husband has been charged with concealing a body and is currently held without bond.

Chief Lugo confirmed that police executed a new search warrant at the couple’s residence Tuesday afternoon. “We located additional evidence today,” he said, without disclosing specifics.

Addressing inquiries about the likelihood of Mamta’s still alive, Chief Lugo expressed a somber outlook. “I don’t believe she’s still alive,” he admitted while emphasizing the continued effort in the search based on incoming tips and leads.

The community has been notably active and supportive during the investigation. Chief Lugo praised the community’s efforts, stating, “It’s amazing… they’re keeping her in the spotlight, and it encourages us to continue with this investigation.”

Regarding inter-agency cooperation, Lugo mentioned collaborations with Loudoun and Fairfax counties and federal agencies like the FBI and Customs Border Patrol. He highlighted a critical lead involving the husband’s recent vehicle sale, which is now under police custody. “That was one of the deciding factors for moving quickly on certain things,” Lugo explained regarding the significance of the car’s sale.

As the case drew local and national attention, Lugo acknowledged the impact of community solidarity and the role of public support in propelling the investigation forward. “The tips have been helpful,” he noted, referencing a Facebook page created in support of finding Mamta, which provided valuable insights into her last known interactions.

In a recent court ruling, Naresh Bhatt was denied bond by a judge who labeled him a flight risk and a danger to the community, Insidenova.com reported. This decision came after chilling new evidence was presented by prosecutors in the case involving the disappearance of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt. The couple had been experiencing marital issues, which prosecutors believe motivated Naresh to murder Mamta. Despite extensive searches, her body has not yet been found.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Naresh Bhatt attempted to conceal his wife’s disappearance and misled the police by reporting her as missing. The prosecutors disclosed that Naresh had a history of domestic violence and controlling behavior, which further supported the charges against him. His efforts to sell significant assets, including a car and possessing multiple passports, indicated his potential to flee the country.

The community has been deeply affected by Mamta’s disappearance, with residents and activists rallying for justice and continuing to search for her. The case has garnered significant media attention, putting additional pressure on the authorities to resolve it swiftly. The ongoing investigation is supported by local police and federal agencies, ensuring a thorough search for Mamta and a robust examination of all evidence related to Naresh Bhatt’s alleged crimes.

This past weekend, hundreds of community members gathered for a vigil in Manassas Park to honor Mamta Kafle Bhatt. The event was not only a somber remembrance but also a rally calling for justice, as attendees expressed deep concern over the circumstances of her disappearance.

The vigil saw emotional speeches from family members, community leaders, and activists, all emphasizing the urgent need for continued efforts to find Mamta and hold those responsible accountable. The crowd, holding candles and signs, created a poignant scene of solidarity and hope for answers. This community support reflects the broader public attention the case has attracted, highlighting issues of domestic violence and the impact of such tragedies on families and communities.

Insidenova.com: “The 37-year-old Manassas Park man, charged with concealing a dead body in connection with the disappearance of his wife Mamta Kafle Bhatt, was denied bond during a hearing Monday morning in Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Manassas.”

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Hundreds of residents gathered at Signal Hill Park on Saturday, August 24, for a vigil to share their thoughts about the missing Manassas Park mother, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who is believed to have been murdered in her home.

The sound of children playing at the park was poignant as Kafle Bhatt disappeared just weeks before her daughter celebrated her first birthday. Speakers at the event highlighted that Mamta means “loving mother” in her native Nepal.

Initially expected to draw around 200 attendees, the vigil saw an overwhelming turnout of more than 800 people. The crowd was so large that the ceremony had to be paused and moved from inside the Signal Hill Park pavilion to a nearby hill to accommodate the gathering.

The event was organized to raise awareness about the 28-year-old woman, who was last seen in person on July 28, 2024. Her last known activity was posting a video of a religious ceremony on social media on July 29.

The vigil featured a multi-faith ceremony, uniting various religious communities in mourning and support for Kafle Bhatt. A recurring theme among the speakers was the need for women to speak up about domestic violence and seek help as soon as possible.

Virginia Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D) addressed the crowd, announcing her plans to introduce legislation to prevent domestic violence. The proposed bill would pair social workers with police officers responding to domestic violence calls, similar to the co-responder units that some police departments in Virginia use for those in mental health crises. Although Manassas Park, a city of 17,200 people, does not have such a program, neighboring Prince William County’s co-responder program, serving nearly a half-million residents, began in December 2020 and has been well received.

Organizers of the vigil also revealed that two separate crowdfunding efforts have raised over $221,000 for the care and education of Kafle Bhatt’s daughter, affectionately known as “Baby Mamta.” Lawyers have volunteered to set up a trust fund to manage the money, ensuring it goes solely toward the child’s needs.

Efforts are underway to expedite travel documents for Kafle Bhatt’s mother, who lives in Nepal so that she can reunite with her granddaughter in the U.S.

Despite the ever-increasing likelihood that Kafle Bhatt will not be found alive, police have not updated Kafle Bhatt’s status from “missing under involuntary circumstances,” even after her husband, Naresh Bhatt, was indicted on Friday on a felony count of concealing a body. During a brief court hearing, Bhatt heard prosecution evidence against him. The Commonwealth Attorney’s office presented evidence from detectives, who described finding freshly cleaned pools of blood and blood spatter in the master bedroom of the couple’s Manassas Park home.

Detectives reported that there were signs something “had been dragged” between the master bedroom and bathroom. Forensic experts testified that blood-detecting chemicals “lit up” the entire shower floor, indicating a lot of blood had pooled there. The blood samples forensic teams collected have been sent to a lab for identification, which could take several months.

Further testimony revealed that Bhatt had purchased knives and cleaning supplies at a Walmart in Loudoun County. Police have accounted for only one of the knives from a pack of three. Before a search warrant was executed on August 22, detectives said Bhatt sold his months-old Tesla to CarMax. Detectives also found packed suitcases and passports for Bhatt and the couple’s one-year-old daughter, suggesting travel plans.

According to updates from the ” Find Mamta Kafle Bhatt ” Facebook group, volunteer searchers have shifted their focus to Loudoun County and Maryland in light of the evidence presented in court.

Bhatt is scheduled to return to court on Monday for a bond hearing. Supporters of Mamta Kafle Bhatt plan to attend and urge the court to deny Bhatt’s release on bond.

On Thursday evening, more than 200 community members gathered at the Manassas Park home of a missing mother, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who was last seen earlier this month. Her husband, Naresh Bhatt, was arrested and charged Thursday morning with felony concealing a body.

At a hearing on Friday morning in the Prince William Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, Bhatt remains in custody without bond. According to court documents, “a substantial amount of digital and forensic evidence” was found inside Bhatt and Kafle Bhatt shared.

The Prince William Times was present at the hearing and said prosecutor Sarah Sami shared details of the house search on Thursday with Judge Katherine McCollum.

Sami said the police found evidence of “significant pooled blood and blood spatter” in the main bedroom. There was also an indication that a body had been dragged from the main bedroom into a bathroom. Police also removed the bathtub in the same bathroom and found blood underneath it and along the caulking.

Police also have surveillance footage of Bhatt buying a pack of three knives at a Chantilly Walmart on July 30. He was also seen via footage buying cleaning supplies at a Loudoun County Walmart on July 31. Sami said police have not yet located two of the knives.

Sami said police discovered Bhatt had sold his blue Tesla car since Kafle Bhatt went missing and spoke to two people about possibly selling their shared home. Police also found a packed suitcase in a bedroom and passports belonging to Bhatt and the couple’s daughter visible.

Here is Potomac Local’s previous coverage of the case:

UPDATE: Police Say Husband is Person of Interest in Manassas Park Missing Woman Case

Breaking News: Husband Arrested, Charged with Concealing a Dead Body in Mamta Kafle Bhatt Case

Why the Delay? Residents Question Police Response in Missing Manassas Park Woman Case

Manassas Park Woman Missing Since July: Police Ask for Help

Update 5:40 p.m.: Naresh Bhatt has been charged with concealing a dead body. It is a felony charge of Prohibition Against Concealment of Dead Body in violation of Section 18.2-323.02 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. He is being held without bond at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center.

Manassas Park police are expected to hold a press conference Thursday afternoon to share more details on the case. MPPD has not yet announced if they have found a body in connection with Kafle’s disappearance.

Update 1 p.m. — In a significant development, police arrested Naresh Bhatt, the husband of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, whose disappearance in late July has gripped the Greater Manassas community. The arrest was made around 11 a.m. today, marking a turning point in the investigation.

Witnesses reported seeing police take Bhatt into custody and, separately, a child believed to be the couple’s baby was taken from the home by authorities approximately 20 minutes later. Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth was on the scene following the arrest.

Crime scene investigators were observed removing items that appeared to be rugs from the property, possibly as evidence in the ongoing investigation. However, the atmosphere remains uncertain as officials remain tight-lipped about the details.

Despite the visible actions taken today, Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth has not confirmed the arrest of Naresh Bhatt. Similarly, there is no official confirmation that the child taken by social services is the couple’s baby.

Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo was present during the arrest but did not provide any comments on the unfolding situation.

The community continues to monitor this troubling case closely, and more updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

Update 11:30 a.m. – Naresh Bhatt, 37, was arrested Thursday morning around 10:45 a.m. in the case of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, disappearance in late July. It’s not yet clear what charges have been filed, but he was taken out of their shared home in handcuffs by Manassas Park Police. Their daughter was taken by authorities separately from Bhatt.

Original Post — Police say the husband of a Manassas Park woman not seen since late last month is now a person of interest in the case.

Manassas Park Police Department Chief Mario Lugo held a press briefing Wednesday night after city police and officers from the Prince William County Police Department crime scene analysts were seen searching the home of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a Manassas Park woman last seen by friends on July 28.

“Our investigators have executed over ten search warrants and conducted hundreds of interviews related to this case, including the search tonight,” Lugo said.

Lugo named her husband Naresh Bhatt a person of interest and said he is uncooperative with police. “He is a person of interest. He’s been a person of interest; everybody knows that.” This is the first time police have named Bhatt a person of interest. Up until this press conference, the police said Bhatt was cooperating with investigators and urged the community not to speculate.

Mamta Kafle Bhatt disappeared in late July. Bhatt told police he last saw his wife on July 31, and she last reported to work as a nurse at the UVA Prince William Medical Center in Manassas on July 27.

Police have been searching for her since Aug. 5, when her husband Bhatt first reported her missing. Manassas Park police conducted a welfare check on Aug. 2 when they visited the residence, but Bhatt did not file a missing person report.

Mamta Kafle Bhatt missed her daughter’s first birthday on Tuesday, Aug. 20. At a birthday party hosted by close friends, the father asked that pictures of their child’s face not be posted to social media.

“We’re not going anywhere.”

Some 150 community members huddled behind the press during the press conference outside city police headquarters. Many, like Sundar Sherpa, were agitated after Lugo’s two-minute statement. “We’re not going anywhere,” shouted Sherpa after Lugo abruptly ended the briefing without taking questions. “He calls that a press briefing? He didn’t say anything we don’t already know,” Sherpa said.

“As you can hear, the community is not satisfied with what the police had to say, but I personally appreciate that Chief Lugo came out and updated us to the best of his ability,” Holly Wirth, a fellow nurse and former co-worker of Kafle Bhatt, said.

“For me, it’s a win. In a small group meeting on Sunday, [Chief Lugo] would not say that he had a person of interest. So, to say between Sunday and Wednesday he’s identified [Bhatt] as a person of interest is big progress in the case,” Wirth said.

Unanswered questions

Questions remain as to why it took so long for police to investigate after co-workers reported her missing when she failed to attend a scheduled shift on Aug. 1. Elected officials present during the press conference, like Mayor Jeanette Rishell and City Councilman Michael Carrera, had little to say.

While the mayor stood silent, Carrera said there would be an investigation into how the police handled the case but that he still had “full faith and confidence in both Chief Lugo and the MPPD.”

On the rocks

A screenshot of a Feb. 16 social media post to a divorce support group purported to be by Kafle Bhatt sought advice and help regarding leaving her husband. The post stated her husband threatened to “send the child to custody,” which others in the group understood to mean foster care. Kafle Bhatt was listed as a “top contributor” to the site.

In a statement to the Nepalese language news site enepalise.com, Bhatt said that the couple have been having “strained relations” but were committed to working on it, saying their relationship has been improving since May.

Lugo said he would provide more information when the crime scene analysts submit their findings.

Police urge anyone with information on Kafle Bhatt’s whereabouts to come forward. Those with information are asked to contact Manassas Park police at 703-361-1136. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Solvers at 703-330-0330 or online at manassascrimesolvers.org.

9:38 p.m. — Manassas Park Police have determined the husband of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, Naresh Bhatt, is a person of interest. They also said he is no longer cooperating.

Police just wrapped up a press conference with details on tonight’s search of the home. More as we have it.

Original Post — On Wednesday evening, the Manassas Park Police Department gathered at the home of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 28, to execute a warrant. According to neighbors, the police did not say if it was a search or arrest warrant.

Police began arriving at her home, which she shares with her husband, Naresh Bhatt, 37, around 5 p.m. on Wednesday and it was circled in yellow crime tape around 7 p.m., neighbors said. Manassas Park Police and Prince William County Police were present.

According to Alan Gloss, a reporter on the scene, the street, Heather Court, was shut down to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. There were at least 50 neighbors watching as police conducted the search on the home. Police have not said if they will address the media tonight, but it is a possibility.

Holly Wirth, a nurse and former co-worker and leader of groups of citizens looking for Kafle Bhatt, said it’s an active scene.

Kafle Bhatt disappeared in late July. Bhatt told police he last saw his wife on July 31 and she last reported to work at the UVA Prince William Medical Center in Manassas on July 27. She works as a nurse at the medical center.

Police have been searching for Kafle Bhatt since Aug. 5, when Bhatt first reported her missing. MPPD conducted a welfare check on Aug. 2 when they visited the residence, but Bhatt did not file a missing person report.

Kafle Bhatt missed her daughter’s first birthday on Tuesday, and at a birthday party hosted by close friends, the father asked pictures of their child’s face not be posted to social media.

Here is information about the upcoming National Night Out events in our region. The annual event is tomorrow, August 6, 2024, except Stafford County, which holds its event later in the year.

Manassas Park

Manassas Park and its Police Department invite all community members to join the National Night Out 2024 event on Tuesday, August 6. The event promises an evening of fun, food, and community engagement from 5 to 8 p.m. at Signal Hill Park, 9300 Signal View Drive.

The event will also include free admission to the waterpark from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., courtesy of Manassas Park Parks & Recreation. This makes it a perfect outing for families looking to enjoy a summer evening. Civic outreach programs will be part of the activities, providing valuable information and resources to the attendees.

Manassas

The Manassas City Police Department is set to host the annual National Night Out event, which provides a unique opportunity for community engagement and fun in a family-friendly atmosphere. This year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Manassas Museum, located at 9101 Prince William Street.

Spotsylvania County 

The Spotsylvania Sherriff’s Office will hold its event at Spotsylvania Towne Center mall.

Stafford County

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office will host its annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is the largest of its kind in the region and will take place at Stafford Marketplace, 1220 Stafford Market Place in North Stafford, in front of the Target store.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg police are still seeking to hear from neighborhood leaders who want to participate in the event.

Is your neighborhood participating in National Night Out (NNO)? Let us know- we would love to join you! Contact Sergeant Rivers with your neighborhood information and we will schedule officers to attend. https://bit.ly/3zZidZl

Prince William County 

Prince William police do not plan an event. A police spokesman said many communities plan respective National Night Out events that officers attend.

National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign, aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, fostering a true sense of community while bringing police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. This year’s event in Manassas Park is set to feature free food, fun activities, and various displays from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

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The Prince William County Chamber of Commerce held its 38th Annual Valor Awards hosted by Julianna Valencia from WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., celebrating the bravery and dedication of police, fire, and rescue workers. 

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