One year after Harshita Brella was found deceased in the UK, questions persist regarding the apprehension of her alleged killer. Her family, based in Delhi, India, has expressed concerns about the progress of the investigation by both UK and Indian authorities.
Case Details
Harshita Brella, 24, an Indian national, was discovered deceased in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on 14 November 2023. This discovery followed a report by her family on 11 November 2023, stating they had not heard from her since 10 November 2023. Law enforcement officials believe Ms. Brella was murdered on 10 November 2023, in Corby, Northamptonshire.
The primary suspect in the case is her husband, Pankaj Lamba, also an Indian national, who had relocated to the UK with Ms. Brella earlier that year. Mr. Lamba reportedly fled to India shortly after the alleged killing and remains at large.
Legal Proceedings and Prior Incidents
In March of the current year, Northamptonshire Police formally charged Pankaj Lamba with murder. He also faces additional charges, including rape, sexual assault, and controlling or coercive behavior.
Approximately two months prior to her death, on 3 September 2023, Ms. Brella had filed a domestic abuse report against Mr. Lamba. He was subsequently arrested and released on bail, subject to conditions prohibiting harassment or intimidation of Ms. Brella. A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) associated with this incident expired on 1 October 2023, four weeks before her death.
Police Investigations and Oversight
Four officers from Northamptonshire Police are currently under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concerning their management of Ms. Brella's domestic abuse report and their interactions with her. The IOPC confirmed this week that their investigation is complete and its findings have been shared with Northamptonshire Police, who have until mid-November to respond.
Northamptonshire Police issued a statement acknowledging the "exceptionally complex case" and noted that due to active criminal proceedings in the UK, further details could not be provided. They confirmed that Indian authorities have been informed of the charging decision through appropriate channels.
International Pursuit and Family Allegations
The Indian government has stated it is in communication with the UK government regarding the case. However, neither government has provided specific information regarding whether an extradition notice for Pankaj Lamba has been formally forwarded to Indian authorities.
Ms. Brella's family alleges that Pankaj Lamba is currently in India and suggest he may be receiving protection from local police due to family connections within law enforcement. They claim to have information indicating Mr. Lamba was sighted withdrawing money from a bank via CCTV footage in March of this year and was operating a shop in Gurgaon during the early months of the year.
Delhi Police did not respond to these specific allegations. They confirmed taking action based on a dowry complaint filed by Ms. Brella's parents against Mr. Lamba and his family members, including his parents and sister, who were arrested and are currently out on bail. Delhi Police also stated that public notices offering a reward for information on Mr. Lamba were issued earlier this year, and the search for him is ongoing.
Mr. Lamba's parents, Sudesh and Darshan Lamba, located in Dharauli village, denied all charges against themselves and their son. They maintain they have had no contact with him since 10 November 2023.
Family's Quest for Justice
Harshita Brella's father, Satbir Singh Brella, regularly attends police stations and courts in pursuit of justice. In July, British officials returned Ms. Brella's personal possessions from the UK to her family.