Delhi Family Seeks Justice for Harshita Brella Amid International Manhunt

The tragic death of 24-year-old Harshita Brella has sent shockwaves through communities in both India and the U.K. As Northamptonshire Police intensify their search for her husband, Pankaj Lamba, the Brella family in Delhi has made an emotional appeal for justice for Harshita Brella. The young woman’s body was discovered in the boot of a car abandoned in Ilford, east London, on November 13, 2024.

Harshita’s grieving parents, Sudesh Kumari and Satbir Brella, and her sister, Sonia Dabas, have called for the swift capture of Lamba, who remains at large. Speaking from their home in Delhi, the family described Harshita as a kind, ambitious young woman who dreamed of becoming a teacher.

“She was a part of me and I was a part of her,” said her sister, Sonia, tearfully. “Now, I feel like I can’t do anything in life without her.”

Harshita’s Murder Timeline

According to Northamptonshire Police, she was killed on the evening of November 10 at her home in Corby. The preliminary cause of death has been identified as strangulation. CCTV footage indicates that Lamba, 23, drove a silver Vauxhall Corsa with Harshita’s body in the boot to Ilford the following morning. He abandoned the car on Brisbane Road before fleeing.

Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell, leading the investigation, stated:

“Any information, no matter how small, may be relevant to the investigation and help us get justice for Harshita.”

The police have launched an international manhunt for Lamba, suspecting that he may have left the U.K. They are working on numerous leads, including reviewing CCTV footage, conducting property searches, and using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to track his movements.

A Troubled Marriage

Harshita and Lamba had been married for just over a year after an arranged match. She moved to the U.K. in April, working at a warehouse, while Lamba was a student in London. Family members revealed that the marriage was fraught with tension.

In late August, Harshita called her father to report her husband’s violent behavior and fled their home. A domestic abuse order had been issued against Lamba, barring him from threatening or approaching her.

“He complained about the smallest things—her talking to her mother too much or not making food on time,” said Sonia Dabas.

Despite the challenges, Harshita remained hopeful. She last spoke to her family on November 10, saying she had prepared dinner and was waiting for Lamba to return home. Two days of silence raised alarms, prompting friends in the U.K. to file a missing person report.

A Family’s Painful Plea

The Brella family is now grappling with their loss while navigating complex legal and logistical hurdles to bring Harshita’s body back to India. “Her soul can only find peace when she is home,” said her father, Satbir Brella.

Their plea for justice for Harshita Brella resonates far and wide. “We want him to be caught,” her mother, Sudesh Kumari, said, breaking down in tears during an interview.

Police Appeal for Information

Detectives have released additional CCTV images and urged the public to come forward with any information about Lamba’s whereabouts. They emphasize that even seemingly minor details could be critical to solving the case.

Chief Inspector Paul Cash noted:

“More than 60 detectives are working tirelessly to piece together what happened. We are committed to getting justice for Harshita.”

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