Fugitive accused of horror murder of wife found dead in car boot is still on the run | UK | News
The man accused of murdering his wife, whose body was found in the boot of a car on a London street, is said to have reunited with his ex-lover just days later. Fugitive Pankaj Lamba, 24, is believed to have strangled his wife Harshita Brella, also 24, at their home in Corby, Northants, on November 10, 2024. Lamba boarded a flight to India on November 11 and Ms Brella’s body was found in the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, east London, three days later. Detectives believe Pankaj took her body to London before catching a flight. Ms. Brella had filed a domestic violence case against him in September 2024, before his death.
Lamba was arrested and released on bail, but his domestic violence protection order expired in October of the same year. In March 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorized charges of murder, rape, sexual assault and controlling or coercive behavior against Pankaj, and authorities in India are understood to be actively seeking his arrest.
In an emotional interview with BBC Newsnight last year, Ms Brella’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, said she had spoken to her daughter just weeks before her death. He said: “[Lamba] He was making his life miserable. He told me I wouldn’t come back to him. He’s going to kill me.”
The family of Ms. Brella, who lives in Delhi, India, said in the memorial ceremony published after her death: “Harshita, you have left this world, but you are still in our hearts and you will always be there. We will never forget you until our last breath. Stay with us always.”
“We miss you every moment of our lives.”
By the way To the Daily MailLamba is believed to have met his ex-girlfriend when he returned to India about a year ago. It is alleged that the suspected murderer supported his lover by using his earnings from a job at a logistics company during his marriage to Ms. Brella.
Ms Brella’s sister, Sonia Dabas, who has been campaigning for justice for her family, told the Daily Mail that “Pankaj was devoted to her” and that her sister “didn’t know anything about his double life”.
Lamba is believed to live in the city of Gurgaon, close to New Dehli, the capital of India. He is said to have moved in with his girlfriend and the couple is living with his daughter, with whom he had a previous relationship.
Mr Brella’s family petitioned the high court in India regarding the case and several members of Lamba’s family were arrested but later released on bail.
Delhi Police offered a reward of 50,000 rupees (£413) for information leading to Lamba’s arrest. One officer told the Mail: “He can’t hide forever. We’ll get to him soon.”
Detective Superintendent Johnny Campbell, of Northamptonshire Police, said: “The investigation is very much ongoing and we are determined as ever to bring the person responsible for Harshita’s death to justice.”
