Harshita Brella: Prime suspect in murder of woman found dead in car boot remains at large as family pursue justice
The prime suspect in the murder of a woman whose body was found in the boot of a car remains at large as her family vows to get justice for her.
Harshita Brella, 24, was found in a silver Vauxhall Corsa on Brisbane Road, Ilford, east London, on 14 November 2024.
Her husband Pankaj Lamba is believed to have fled to India.
Sonia Dabas, Ms. Brella’s sister, said: ITV News d“Her pain, her strength and her memories are inside me and I will get justice for my sister,” he said during my visit to England.
He was speaking from India as Ms Brella’s family visited the UK as part of their campaign for justice.
Murder charges were allowed against her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 24, who was also accused of two counts of rape, sexual assault and controlling or coercive behavior.
Northamptonshire Police previously said they believed Ms Brella was strangled in Corby on the evening of November 10 and her body was taken to Ilford the following day.
Speaking through a translator, Ms. Brella’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, said: “Every time she called, he was saying that he was fine and happy and enjoying life. He was telling me, ‘mom, I will bring you here, my life is happy, I will bring you when I have some money and my own house.'”
“I never expected to have to go to Corby under these tragic circumstances. I’m so sorry I came here without him.”
During their trip, Ms. Brella’s family went to the lake where she was seen.
Her father, Satbir Singh, told ITV News: “It pains me to see this place again. I used to come with her. Now that I’ve seen this place, I miss my daughter so much.”
Speaking after Lamba was charged in 2025, detective chief inspector Johnny Campbell said: “We are determined to achieve justice for Harshita and her family and continue to offer our support at this difficult time.
“This remains an active investigation and as such there continue to be aspects of the case that we cannot comment on at this time.
“We call on all parties to respect the judicial process to ensure the integrity of the trial.”
