Detectives from the British police have reportedly arrived in India to intensify the hunt for Pankaj Lamba, the Indian national accused of murdering his wife, Harshita Brella, in the UK nearly a year ago.
Harshita Brella, who was just 24, was tragically found strangled in the boot of a car in Brisbane Road, Ilford, east London, on November 14, 2024. Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, is considered the prime suspect in her death. Last week, according to The Mirror, British detectives flew to India in an attempt to track down the fugitive.
Details of the Murder and Abuse
According to reports by the media, Harshita was strangled to death on November 10, 2024. Her body was subsequently driven across London to Ilford, where it was discovered four days later.
The victim’s family claims that Harshita had been facing severe domestic abuse for some time. Her mother spoke to the BBC, recounting the extent of the fear her daughter faced: “He [Pankaj] was making her life miserable. She said I will not go back to him. He will kill me.”
Harshita and Pankaj, both Indian nationals, married in India in August 2023 and relocated to the UK shortly thereafter. Her family alleges that the abuse, which escalated quickly, stemmed from dowry demands. Police believe that Pankaj Lamba fled the UK and flew back to India soon after carrying out the murder. He was last caught on camera at a bank in Gurgaon in March 2025.
UK Police Statement
Det Supt Johnny Campbell of Northamptonshire Police issued a statement on the first anniversary of Harshita’s death, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to the case:
“As we remember Harshita Brella on the first anniversary of her death, our thoughts very much remain with her family and all who loved her.”
Campbell confirmed the close communication with the family: “Northamptonshire Police has provided family liaison support to Harshita’s family throughout the past year and in July, I was privileged to travel to India to meet with family members and return the personal belongings of their much loved and much missed daughter and sister.” The current presence of UK detectives in India signals a significant escalation in the pursuit of the accused.