One Year Later: Family Demands Answers as Killer Remains at Large
One year after the tragic murder of Harshita Brella, her family in Delhi is still grappling with disbelief and sorrow. Harshita, a 24-year-old Indian national, was found dead in the trunk of a car in London on November 14, 2022, just a day after her family reported her missing. Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, is the prime suspect in her murder but has fled to India and remains at large. The family is calling for justice, expressing frustration over the slow progress of investigations by both UK and Indian authorities.
Details of the Case
Harshita Brella’s body was discovered in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, after her family alerted the police about her disappearance. They had not heard from her since November 10, 2022. Investigators believe that Harshita was murdered by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, on the same day she was last seen. The couple had relocated from Delhi to Corby, Northamptonshire, earlier that year. Following the discovery of her body, Lamba fled to India, where he is believed to be hiding.
In March 2023, Northamptonshire Police charged Lamba with murder, as well as additional charges of rape, sexual assault, and controlling behavior. Harshita’s family has expressed disappointment with the investigation’s pace, suggesting that their status as non-UK citizens may have influenced the seriousness of the police response. Harshita’s sister, Sonia Dabas, criticized the UK police for their handling of her sister’s domestic abuse case, which Harshita had reported just two months before her death.
Concerns Over Police Handling
Harshita had filed a domestic abuse complaint against Lamba on September 3, 2022. Although he was arrested, he was released on bail with conditions not to contact her. The Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) expired on October 1, 2022, just weeks before her murder. Sonia Dabas accused Northamptonshire Police of negligence, claiming that Lamba felt emboldened by the lack of serious follow-up on the domestic abuse case. Four officers from the Northamptonshire Police are currently under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for their handling of Harshita’s case.
The IOPC has completed its investigation and shared findings with Northamptonshire Police, which now has until mid-November to respond. The police have described the case as exceptionally complex and have refrained from providing detailed comments due to ongoing criminal proceedings. Meanwhile, the Indian government has stated that it is in communication with UK authorities regarding the case, but there has been no clear confirmation about the status of an extradition request for Lamba.
Family’s Ongoing Struggle for Justice
Harshita’s family believes that Pankaj Lamba is currently in India, possibly receiving protection from local police due to family connections. Sonia Dabas claims that Lamba was seen withdrawing money from a bank in March 2023 and may have been operating a shop in Gurgaon. The family has accused Delhi Police of inaction, stating that they are merely “killing time” in their search for Lamba. The Delhi Police have responded by saying they are pursuing a dowry complaint against Lamba and his family, who were arrested but later released on bail.
Harshita’s father, Satbir Singh Brella, has been tirelessly visiting police stations and courts in pursuit of justice for his daughter. He described Harshita as kind-hearted and straightforward, expressing deep sorrow over her loss. Her mother, Sudesh Kumari, still struggles to accept the reality of her daughter’s death, often wearing Harshita’s shoes as a way to feel close to her. The family continues to seek justice and answers, hoping for a resolution to this heartbreaking case.
Community and Media Attention
The case has garnered significant media attention, highlighting issues surrounding domestic violence and the treatment of foreign nationals within the UK legal system. Harshita’s family has been vocal about their frustrations, urging both the UK and Indian governments to take more decisive action. They hope that increased awareness will lead to justice for Harshita and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, the family remains hopeful that Pankaj Lamba will be brought to justice. They believe that the authorities must prioritize this case to ensure the safety of all individuals, regardless of their nationality. The ongoing struggle for justice serves as a poignant reminder of the need for effective responses to domestic violence and the importance of accountability within law enforcement agencies.
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