British authorities have sent officers to India in pursuit of a fugitive spouse accused of murdering his wife in the United Kingdom. Harshita Brella, 24, was strangled in her Northamptonshire residence and later discovered in a Vauxhall Corsa’s trunk in Ilford, East London, on November 14 last year. Prior to her demise, Harshita had informed the police of the abuse she endured from her husband, Pankaj Lamba.
Investigators flew to India in July to meet with Harshita’s family and repatriate her belongings while Indian law enforcement continues the search for Lamba. Detective Superintendent Johnny Campbell expressed condolences to Harshita’s family on the anniversary of her passing, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to locate Lamba.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is probing the interactions between Northamptonshire Police and the deceased. Lamba, aged 23, departed for India from Heathrow Airport three days before the discovery of Harshita’s body. Reports indicate Lamba withdrew Rs430,000 (£3,760) from an ATM in Gurugram, south of Delhi, in March while wearing a face mask. Harshita’s sister, Sonia Dabas, criticized the lack of communication from Northamptonshire Police and initiated legal action in Delhi to prompt Indian government intervention.
Campbell recalled the launch of the murder investigation following Harshita’s tragic demise, attributing the charge against Lamba to the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision in March 2025. He reiterated the complexity of the case and the ongoing collaboration with Indian authorities to bring justice for Harshita. The investigation continues, and support for the family persists as the legal process unfolds.
In a poignant interview, Harshita’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, revealed her daughter’s distress before the fatal incident, highlighting the emotional toll of the domestic situation. Kumari emphasized Harshita’s innocence and simplicity, recounting her daughter’s fear of returning to Lamba. She emphasized Harshita’s peaceful nature and aversion to conflict.
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