A year has passed since the brutal murder of Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old Indian woman, whose body was discovered in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on November 14, 2024. The tragedy has left her family in Delhi grappling with grief and frustration over the lack of justice. Harshita’s husband, Pankaj Lamba, is the prime suspect in her murder. He fled to India shortly after the crime and remains at large, despite being charged with murder, rape, sexual assault, and coercive behavior by Northamptonshire Police in March 2025. The couple, both Indian nationals, had relocated from Delhi to Corby, UK, earlier that year. Harshita’s family accuses both UK and Indian authorities of failing to take decisive action. Her mother, Sudesh Kumari, tearfully demands justice, stating, ‘Only then will I find peace.’ Harshita’s sister, Sonia Dabas, criticizes the UK police for their perceived negligence, suggesting that foreign nationals are not prioritized. The case has drawn scrutiny over the handling of Harshita’s domestic abuse complaint, filed two months before her death. A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) issued against Pankaj expired weeks before the murder, raising questions about police follow-up. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has completed its investigation into the Northamptonshire Police’s conduct, with findings shared for review. Meanwhile, Harshita’s family believes Pankaj is being shielded by Indian police, citing his relatives’ connections in law enforcement. The Delhi Police deny these allegations, stating they have issued public notices and are actively searching for Pankaj. Harshita’s father, Satbir Singh Brella, continues to seek justice through relentless visits to police stations and courts. Her mother, Sudesh, clings to her daughter’s belongings, including a pair of shoes, as a poignant reminder of her loss. The case underscores the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence and the complexities of cross-border criminal investigations.
Harshita was murdered a year ago – so why has her killer not been caught, family ask
