British authorities have journeyed to India in pursuit of a fugitive man accused of killing his wife in the UK. The victim, Harshita Brella, 24, was strangled at her residence in Northamptonshire and later found in a car trunk in Ilford, East London, on November 14 last year. Prior to her death, Harshita had reached out to the police for assistance, alleging abuse by her husband, Pankaj Lamba.
In efforts to locate Lamba, detectives visited India in July to meet with Harshita’s family and return her belongings. Detective Superintendent Johnny Campbell expressed condolences to Harshita’s loved ones on the anniversary of her passing. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating Northamptonshire Police’s interactions with the deceased woman.
Lamba, 23, reportedly flew back to India from Heathrow airport a few days before Harshita’s body was discovered. Surveillance footage captured him withdrawing cash from an ATM in Gurugram, near Delhi, in March. Harshita’s family has criticized the lack of information provided by Northamptonshire police and has taken legal action in Delhi seeking intervention from the Indian government.
Campbell mentioned that the murder investigation began a year ago after Harshita’s body was found in London, leading to murder charges against Lamba. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, detailed information about the case cannot be disclosed at this time. Indian authorities have been informed of the charges, and efforts to hold the perpetrator accountable are ongoing.
Harshita’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, revealed in an emotional interview that her daughter had expressed fear for her life due to her husband’s behavior. Describing Harshita as a gentle soul who avoided conflicts, Sudesh recalled her daughter’s last words signaling distress in her marriage.
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