British authorities have sent officers to India in pursuit of a suspect accused of murdering his wife in the UK. The victim, 24-year-old Harshita Brella, was strangled at her residence in Northamptonshire before her body was discovered in a car trunk in Ilford, East London, on November 14 of the previous year. Prior to her tragic death, Harshita had reached out to the police, reporting abuse by her husband, Pankaj Lamba.
In an effort to locate Lamba, detectives traveled to India in July to meet with Harshita’s family and return her personal belongings. Detective Superintendent Johnny Campbell expressed condolences on the anniversary of Harshita’s passing, emphasizing ongoing support for her loved ones.
There is an ongoing investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into the interactions between Northamptonshire Police and the deceased woman. According to UK authorities, Harshita was killed in Corby on the evening of November 10 before being transported to Ilford the following day.
Lamba, aged 23, reportedly flew to India from Heathrow airport just days before Harshita’s body was found. Surveillance footage placed him at a bank in Gurugram, where he withdrew a significant amount of money. Harshita’s sister, Sonia Dabas, criticized the lack of communication from Northamptonshire police, prompting legal action in Delhi to compel Indian government involvement.
Reflecting on the case, Campbell highlighted the murder investigation’s commencement in November 2024 and Lamba’s subsequent murder charge in March 2025. Due to the active legal proceedings, detailed information cannot be disclosed at this time. However, Indian authorities have been informed of the charges, signifying ongoing efforts to secure justice for Harshita.
In an emotional account, Harshita’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, revealed her daughter’s distress prior to the tragedy, expressing concerns about her safety. Describing Harshita as a gentle soul, Sudesh recalled her daughter’s resolve to break free from an oppressive marriage.