MANASSAS PARK, Va. — The image that will remain ingrained in the minds of Mamta Kafle Bhatt's supporters is her tiny daughter being carried out of her Manassas Park home under a blanket, shortly after her father had been walked out of the home in handcuffs.
Mamta Kafle Bhatt, the mother of the just-turned-1-year-old girl, has been missing under "involuntary circumstance" since July 31. However, she was not reported missing by her husband, Naresh Bhatt, until Aug. 5.
WUSA9 was at the emotional scene Thursday when Naresh Bhatt and his child were both taken from their home. Several people told us they were not surprised the husband was taken into police custody, and later charged with concealing a body. To them, he had been suspicious from the beginning of the saga.
"I've always thought that he did something," neighbor Ivy Freedman said. "The mother wouldn't leave her baby. Definitely wouldn't miss her first birthday."
"I'm glad that we're getting somewhere," community member Bina Khadkalama told WUSA9. "We're still looking for answers but at least there are actions happening."
People became suspicious after discrepancies in his story and allegations of domestic abuse in the past.
"To think he would take it this far is unimaginable," immigration attorney Bandita Sharmadahal said.
Sharmadahal was one of several community members who were able to access a community meeting by Chief Mario Lugo. The meeting was closed off to press.
She said how police have narrowed in on area where they believe the alleged crime happened, but no further details were released.
But now, their concern is for the care and well-being of the child.
"The baby is innocent in any circumstances," said supporter Adrian Pokharel. "We got to protect her. That's our baby. That's our community baby. That's the way I look at it."
A source told WUSA9 the city's social services had already been on standby.
Naresh Bhatt is currently facing a single felony count of concealing a body, but investigators have yet to say what they found inside the family home that led them to make the arrest.
The city said the child remains in the custody of social services and Manassas Park Police.
Meanwhile, the community is working with the U.S. government to help expedite a visa for Mamta's mother in Nepal.
Nadia Navarro, a close friend who helped start the search for Mamta, said she's on the short list of taking the girl if needed. She already has a crib ready.
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Members of the Nepalese community, friends and neighbors said there were too many discrepancies in Naresh Bhatt's story for their liking, while some friends alleged a history of domestic issues.
"I've always thought that he did something," neighbor Ivy Freedman said. "The mother wouldn't leave her baby. Definitely wouldn't miss her first birthday."
Naresh Bhatt spoke to WUSA9 several times on camera, saying he was the "one who is suffering."
"She is my baby's Mom, she is my wife," he said. "I'm the one suffering, so I don't what I'm supposed to say."
He told WUSA9 that he's very worried about where she is. Naresh Bhatt claimed his wife has gone missing three times prior to this, but said she never stays away this long.
Nadia Navarro, Mamta Kafle Bhatt's close friend who pushed for community searches, said she's on the short list to take the child in, and even has a crib ready. She had a message for Naresh Bhatt:
"Please don't worry about the baby," Navarro said. "She's going to be safe, she will be cared for. We love the baby."
Navarro says she met Bhatt when she first came to the United States and they both bonded over their experience being immigrants. She says Bhatt is originally from Nepal and the two grew so close they considered each other family.
"Mamta is not an impulsive person, she's a very responsible person, she's a very calm person ... I really doubt she would run away," Navarro said.
Several community members have also been in contact with the U.S. government to try and help Mamta Kafle Bhatt's mother secure a visa and come from Nepal to see her granddaughter.