Authorities are investigating the shocking murder of 24-year-old Harshita Brella, whose lifeless body was found stuffed inside the boot of a car parked nearly 100 miles away from her home. This crime has not only devastated her family but has also raised numerous questions about domestic violence and law enforcement's previous contact with the victim.
Ms. Brella, who had just relocated to the UK from India after marrying Pankaj Lamba, was reported missing by her family when they were unable to reach her starting on November 10, 2024. Local police received concerns about her welfare on November 13, leading them to check her home at Skegness Walk in Corby, Northamptonshire. When they couldn't find her, the search intensified.
Days later, police discovered Ms. Brella's body concealed within the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa, abandoned on Brisbane Road, Ilford, East London. Investigators believe Mr. Lamba transported her body to this location after the alleged murder. According to Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell, “Our inquiries have established Pankaj Lamba drove the Silver Vauxhall Corsa from Corby to Ilford sometime on the morning of Monday, November 11.” Police suspect she was killed on the evening of November 10, shortly after her last interaction with her family.
Mr. Lamba is now the prime suspect. Authorities believe he fled the UK, prompting Northamptonshire Police to launch an international manhunt. They have circulated CCTV footage of Mr. Lamba and the vehicle associated with the crime. The search is urgent: anyone who might have seen Mr. Lamba or the car is urged to come forward, with Detective Campbell emphasizing, “Any information, no matter how small, may be relevant to the investigation.”
Describing her relationship with her sister, Harshita's sister Sonia Dabas told Sky News, “If it’s two steps or two hours away, we were always together.” Ms. Dabas expressed her heartache over the loss, stating, “I don’t understand how it will ever feel like normal life. [I] can’t ever forget her.” Meanwhile, their mother, Sudesh, voiced her grief and called for justice, also requesting to know what had happened to her daughter.
The tragedy has shaken the community where the couple lived. Neighbors recounted hearing intense arguments from the Brella household days before the discovery, raising concerns about domestic violence. One neighbor noted, “I heard the woman sound scared during the heated row.” These reports prompt questions about the effectiveness of the domestic violence protections intended to keep Ms. Brella safe.
It's been revealed Ms. Brella was under the shield of a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), issued just two months prior to her death. The 28-day order had specified terms to keep her safe from contact with potential abusers. Many people are now asking how Ms. Brella ended up dead days after police intervention.
Police have acknowledged their previous contact with Harshita and have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the tragic circumstances surrounding her death. This mandatory referral signals concerns over how the matter had been handled prior to the crime, which has raised plenty of eyebrows among advocacy groups emphasizing the need for more protective measures for victims of domestic abuse.
Community members have expressed their confusion and sorrow. Local shopkeeper Prashant Odedara, who had seen the couple occasionally, remarked, “They were like normal working people. What was happening in their personal private life, we don’t know much about.” Concerns are growing as residents of Corby reflect on the undercurrents of domestic strife hidden among seemingly ordinary lives.
With the investigation still very much open, Harshita's family members are not only grappling with their loss but also demand to have her body returned to India for her final rites. Sudesh, devastated by the death of her daughter, stated, “I want my daughter back as soon as possible, in whatever condition. I want to see my daughter soon.” Despite the grief, they are desperate for justice, hoping authorities will capture Mr. Lamba and bring him to face the consequences of his alleged actions.
Harshita Brella's case shines light on the issue of domestic violence and the gaps within the protection systems meant to shield those most vulnerable. With many unanswered questions surrounding her murder and with the investigation underway, the community remains hopeful for justice and seeks answers.
