Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s husband appears in court day after another search of Manassas Park home
MANASSAS, Va. - The husband of a missing Manassas Park woman appeared in court Friday, one day after investigators executed another search warrant at the couple’s Virginia home.
The search for Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a young mother and pediatric nurse who was last seen in late July, has turned up empty so far. Authorities say she likely died in a bloody struggle at their home. Her husband Naresh Bhatt, 37, remains in jail and is facing a charge of concealing a body.
At a motion hearing Friday, a judge said prosecutors have an obligation to turn over any evidence that could be favorable to the defense. Two items in particular were granted: a record of communication between Naresh and police and video of Mamta Kafle Bhatt leaving work at a hospital on July 27.
Defense attorneys said Mamta canceled her Uber ride home and got into a car with someone else. They said the driver has not been identified and has not come forward.
"Our claim is that she is still alive, Judge," a defense attorney said Friday, drawing an audible gasp from the courtroom audience.
Angel Rodas does not know the Bhatt family personally but was at the hearing Friday.
"I’m a mother, grandmother, and I’m also a survivor. If you’re going to leave, you’re going to take your kid with you," Rodas said. "Let’s get the facts straight. Mamta has a voice. We, the community, are her voice. Say her name."
The defense also said they need a record of communications between Naresh Bhatt and police, alleging prosecutors and the press have spread inaccurate allegations that Mr. Bhatt didn’t want to file" a missing person report.
The requested evidence would show police told Bhatt to wait several days and call them back if Mamta didn’t return, the defense attorney said.
Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer said the purpose of requesting the video from the hospital is to look for a "third party option" to account for where Mamta Kafle is.
"[Defense] would have gotten it [video] anyway. Do I consider it a win or a loss? It’s not really a win. I consider it neutral. I guess it’s a win from the standpoint of they put in the motion, the motion was granted. That’s a win. What will it show though?" Coffindaffer said.
The latest search of the Bhatt home, which has been searched multiple times since late August, came after Manassas Park police say they recently received new information.
RELATED: Husband pushes for speedy trial as search for missing Manassas Park woman continues
Police conduct new search for Mamta Kafle Bhatt in Manassas Park
A large police presence was visible in Manassas Park Thursday as authorities conducted a new search for the remains of missing mom Mamta Kafle. Her husband, who is accused of killing her and disposing of her body, was in court this morning.
RELATED: Police conduct search for Mamta Kafle Bhatt in Manassas Park
Police have not disclosed what evidence they are seeking, but earlier searches revealed what appeared to be bloodstains on carpet and bathroom tiles.
Despite extensive searches of parks and wooded areas, no useful evidence has been found.
Investigators have recovered the family’s blue Tesla, which Naresh reportedly sold shortly after Mamta’s disappearance. GPS data from the Tesla may provide further clues.
Police are asking anyone who had contact with Naresh Bhatt between July 28 and August 5 to come forward and contact them at 703-361-1136.
READ MORE: Tesla GPS data could be key to solving case of missing Manassas Park mom Mamta Kafle