MANASSAS PARK, Virginia. – Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo called the search for Mamta Kafle “promising” after new clues and tips emerged during the investigation.
“We have found additional evidence, but unfortunately I cannot disclose what that evidence is at this time. We are making progress,” Police Chief Lugo told FOX 5 exclusively.
On Tuesday afternoon, detectives executed another search warrant on Kafle’s apartment and combed through new evidence to determine the cause of her disappearance.
“I don’t believe she is alive at this point,” added Police Chief Lugo.
Kafle’s husband, 37-year-old Naresh Bhatt, is currently in jail without bail on charges of concealing her body.
During his bail hearing on Monday, his defense attorney pointed out that he sold his car days before his arrest.
Read more: Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s husband denied bail as investigation into disappearance continues
Police confirmed that they are in possession of Bhatt’s Tesla, which had been sold to a dealer.
“This is one of the search warrants where we are waiting for the results. But he sold the car and we were able to get it back,” said Police Chief Lugo.
Before the city council meeting on Tuesday evening, the population gathered again and held up signs demanding “Justice for Mamta”.
“We want them to know that we need closure. She needs to come home,” Prabha Deuja said.
Mamta’s former roommate and friend Nadia Navarro also spoke during the public hearing, calling on the city government to provide more resources for women affected by domestic violence – an issue that was also raised in court.
“I have received many messages from women who did not have the courage to leave. When I saw Mamta’s story, I was reminded of something I am going through. Recently, a woman even left her husband because of this story. She gave her the courage to leave,” said Navarro.
READ MORE: What we know about Naresh Bhatt
Chief Lugo expressed his solidarity with the community and said he is doing everything in his power to help them get closure.
“We want the same thing – justice for Mamta. We want to find out what happened and bring those responsible to justice,” he said.
Search for body of missing Manassas Park mother continues
Prince William County authorities have conducted another search of the home of Naresh Bhatt. Bhatt remains in jail on charges of hiding a body in connection with his wife’s disappearance. FOX 5’s Lili Zheng has the latest details.
Chief Lugo looked back on Kafle’s life and added, “Just hearing what she was like as a mother – it’s inspiring. It shows us that these people really care about her.”
At Tuesday’s meeting, FOX 5 attempted to get comment from Manassas Park Mayor Jeanette Rishell, but she declined.
