An international manhunt is underway for the husband of Harshita Brella, 24, after her body was discovered in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, earlier this week.
Police have named her husband, Pankaj Lamba, as the primary suspect in the case. Northamptonshire Police confirmed on Sunday that Lamba is believed to have fled the country, prompting authorities to expand their search beyond the UK.
Body Discovered in Ilford
Harshita’s body was found on Brisbane Road, Ilford, on Thursday, November 14, following a missing person report filed the previous day. A forensic post-mortem conducted on Friday confirmed she had been murdered.
Detectives from Northamptonshire Police and the Metropolitan Police are collaborating on the investigation. Officers were alerted on Wednesday, November 13, after concerns were raised about Harshita’s welfare. When she failed to respond at her home in Skegness Walk, Corby, a missing person inquiry was launched, leading to the grim discovery in London.
History of Domestic Violence
Reports on Sunday revealed Harshita had been a victim of domestic violence and was granted a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) at Northampton Magistrates Court in September. The DVPO highlighted prior concerns about her safety in the months leading up to her tragic death.
Appeal for Information
During a press conference, Chief Inspector Paul Cash of Northamptonshire Police urged the public to come forward with any information:
I urge anyone listening to or reading this statement, that if you saw anything suspicious in the past week or have any information, no matter how small, please contact us.
Police have also released CCTV images of Lamba in the hopes of tracking his movements.
Investigation Ongoing
The East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU) is working tirelessly to uncover the circumstances surrounding Harshita’s death. Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell stated:
“She was a young woman in her early 20s with her whole life ahead of her. It is absolutely tragic that her life has been cut short in this way.”
He added, “We are working around the clock to establish the exact location and timeframe in which the murder took place and urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.”
Public Assistance Requested
Police have asked anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact them. They are also appealing to residents and businesses in the Brisbane Road area of Ilford and Skegness Walk, Corby, to review CCTV or dashcam footage.
Anyone with information can contact Northamptonshire Police or the Metropolitan Police and quote the reference Operation Harrow.
Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111
