An international manhunt is underway for Pankaj Lamba, the husband of Harshita Brella, whose body was found in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on 14 November 2024. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that Lamba was arrested in September following a domestic abuse report filed by Brella.
Timeline of Events
Police believe 24-year-old Brella was fatally strangled on 10 November in Corby, Northamptonshire. Her husband, Lamba, 23, has been named as the prime suspect in the investigation.
Detectives have released CCTV footage showing the couple walking together near Corby’s boating lake on the evening of her death. The image, captured on 10 November, shows the pair near Cottingham Road, where police are appealing for witnesses.
IOPC Investigation
The IOPC has launched an investigation into Northamptonshire Police following a self-referral by the force. The watchdog confirmed that Brella had reported domestic abuse in August, leading to Lamba’s arrest on 3 September. He was subsequently released on bail with conditions and served a domestic violence protection notice (DVPN).
Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds. Anyone with information about Lamba’s whereabouts is urged to contact the police immediately.
