'We've found evidence we believe is connected' | Searches continue for Mamta Kafle Bhatt

MANASSAS PARK, Va. — Searches for Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a 28-year-old mother and nurse, have not eased up.

"We've done several searches. Not only here in Manassas Park, Manassas, Prince William County. We've done them in Loudoun County and Fairfax County," said Chief Mario Lugo in an interview with WUSA9 Wednesday night.

Chief Lugo confirmed to WUSA9 that investigators searched a small area behind the home she and her husband, Naresh Bhatt, lived in for the past year.

He told WUSA9 that nothing was found during Wednesday's search, but said they have found things during other searches.

"We've found evidence that we believe is connected to the case," said Lugo.

This update came less than 24 hours after a post on the department's Facebook page, where they wrote

We recently had an individual come forward with information that was helpful in the case. The Police Department is requesting anyone who had contact with or spoke to Naresh Bhatt between July 28th, 2024 – August 5th, 2024, to please contact the Manassas Park Police Department, 703-361-1136. We are seeking individuals that have not been interviewed or contacted by Detectives already.

Regarding the "helpful tip", Chief Lugo wouldn't get into details.

"This person came in and reported anonymously to us, so I don't want to disclose that. But we are looking into what he provided to us and seeing if it's connected to the case or not," said Lugo.

Naresh Bhatt was arrested on August 22 and charged with concealing a dead body. He remains behind bars on no bond. 

Lugo told WUSA9 that there will continue to be more searches, as they receive the records they've been requesting.

"Things like phone records that have been hitting off towers. Places he might go for financials. You know you look into that. What restaurants, stores he may have visited, so those type of things are the things we're looking into," said Lugo.

He explained that the records give them clues as to where they need to search.

"So as the records show where we need to search or if we think this is an area we've been doing that. Any evidence that we've collected we have to verify that it's connected so that takes time," said Lugo.

On Wednesday night, a group gathered outside the Manassas Park Police 

"We're here to keep her name in the news. The Chief has specifically said that he appreciates the community support and he feels like the more we keep her story out there the more likelihood that tips are going to come in to help forward the case," said Holly Wirth, a community advocate.

She and others held up 'Justice for Mamta' signs and wore 'Justice for Mamta' pins.

Over the weekend they held a vigil for Mamta. Wirth says the support from the community has been nonstop for Mamta's family, especially her young daughter.

"We put out an Amazon wishlist for some specific needs and within three hours everything on that wishlist was bought for the family. So the outpouring of love is truly overwhelming," said Wirth.

As for Chief Lugo, he said he appreciates the way the community has been rallying for justice.

"We are actively investigating this. It is not becoming a cold case. We're still looking for Mamta. We're still trying to put all the pieces together on the case and bring Justice for Mamta," said Chief Lugo.