One year after Harshita Brella was murdered in the UK, her family is demanding answers as her husband, the prime suspect, remains at large in India, accusing authorities of negligence in the investigation and extradition process. This case highlights ongoing struggles with cross-border justice and domestic violence protections.
Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old Indian national, was strangled to death on November 10, 2024, in Corby, Northamptonshire, and her body was discovered four days later in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London. The grim discovery came after her family reported her missing, having lost contact with her earlier that week. Police swiftly identified her husband, Pankaj Lamba, as the primary suspect, but he fled to India shortly after the killing, evading capture despite international efforts.
Lamba has been charged with murder, rape, sexual assault, and coercive behavior, yet he remains a fugitive over a year later. In March 2025, he was sighted on CCTV withdrawing money from a bank in Gurgaon, India, raising questions about the effectiveness of the manhunt. Harshita’s family believes he is being shielded by relatives in the Indian police force, complicating efforts to bring him to justice.
The family has sharply criticized UK police for failing to protect Harshita, noting that she reported domestic abuse by Lamba in September 2024. At that time, he was arrested and subject to a Domestic Violence Protection Order, but it expired weeks before her murder. Her sister, Sonia Dabas, alleges that police negligence made Lamba feel he could act with impunity, contributing to the tragedy.
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into Northamptonshire Police’s handling of the domestic abuse case has been completed, with findings shared for a response by mid-November 2025. Police cite the complexity of the case and active proceedings as reasons for limited public commentary, but the family remains frustrated by the slow pace and lack of transparency.
In India, Delhi Police have issued public notices offering rewards for information on Lamba and are investigating a dowry complaint filed by Harshita’s parents. However, her family claims that corruption and familial connections within the police are hindering progress, with Lamba allegedly seen running a shop in Gurgaon earlier this year. The Indian government has acknowledged contact with UK authorities, but extradition details remain unclear.
Background reports reveal that Harshita faced significant isolation after reporting the abuse, feeling scared and unsupported in protective accommodation. She suffered a miscarriage during this period and described feeling treated as a criminal by authorities, which may have led her to resume contact with Lamba before her death. This context underscores systemic issues in supporting domestic violence victims.
As the first anniversary of her death passes, Harshita’s family continues to grieve, with her mother wearing her daughter’s shoes to feel close to her. Their fight for justice emphasizes broader concerns about international legal cooperation and domestic violence response, urging reforms to prevent similar tragedies and ensure accountability across borders.
