An international manhunt is currently underway for Pankaj Lamba, the husband of 24-year-old Harshita Brella, whose body was tragically discovered in the boot of a car. This alarming case has sparked widespread concern and attention, especially after police identified Lamba as the primary suspect, believing he has fled the country. Northamptonshire Police announced their findings during a press conference held on Sunday evening.
Detectives began their investigation after receiving calls from concerned members of the public who were worried about Brella's welfare. Officers visited her home in Skegness Walk, Corby, but did not receive any response upon their arrival. This prompted them to initiate a missing persons investigation. Sadly, the situation took a grim turn when authorities discovered Brella’s body on Thursday morning inside the vehicle located on Brisbane Road, Ilford, east London.
Chief Inspector Paul Cash stated, "Our inquiries lead us to suspect Harshita was murdered in Northamptonshire earlier this month by her husband Pankaj Lamba. We suspect Lamba transported Harshita's body from Northamptonshire to Ilford by car. We believe he has now fled the country.” With over 60 detectives on the case, police are diligently working to gather any leads on Lamba’s location.
A post-mortem examination carried out shortly after the discovery confirmed the nature of Brella’s death as murder, though the police have yet to disclose detailed findings concerning her injuries or the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Adding to the complexity of the case, police revealed Brella was formerly the victim of domestic violence. Earlier this year, she had been granted a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) at Northampton Magistrates’ Court. This order restricted Lamba from visiting her workplace, highlighting previous issues between the couple. Authorities have also referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), focusing on the prior interactions they had with Brella.
Despite the increasingly desperate search for Pankaj Lamba, his precise whereabouts remain unknown. The police have released images of him and are urging the public to provide any information, no matter how small, which could help locate him. Chief Inspector Cash emphasized the importance of community assistance, stating, “If you saw anything suspicious or have any information, please contact us.”
Efforts to gather evidence include interviews with friends, family, and neighbors, many of whom are expressing disbelief and shock at the violent circumstances surrounding Brella’s death. According to neighbors, prior to the discovery of the body, there were reports of loud arguments coming from the couple's residence, which had raised alarms but unfortunately did not lead to intervention.
The investigation continues to develop, and police are examining CCTV footage and conducting house-to-house inquiries, searching for any signs of Lamba or leads to his potential location. The tragic loss of Harshita Brella has not only deeply impacted her community but has also ignited discussions about the broader issues surrounding domestic violence and the systems meant to protect victims.
While the community wonders about the precise timeline of events leading up to this tragedy, the police push forward, determined to bring justice for Brella. Members of her community have expressed their sorrow, sending prayers and condolences to her family. Many are left grappling with the unsettling reality of the situation, questioning how such incidents can still occur and what can be done to prevent future tragedies.
The details surrounding this case continue to evolve as the investigation progresses. Following the establishment of communication channels for tips, police officials remain firm on their approach, indicating their commitment to solving this case and ensuring Pankaj Lamba is brought to justice.
For now, both the police and the community remain on high alert, hoping for answers and resolution to this heartbreaking situation. Anyone with any knowledge about the case or the suspect is encouraged to come forward and assist authorities, as the search for closure and justice persists.
