The family of Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old woman found murdered in the boot of a car in Ilford, East London, has called for justice and the repatriation of her body to India. Northamptonshire Police suspect that Ms Brella was killed by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, who fled the country after allegedly transporting her body from their home in Corby to London.
Ms Brella’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, speaking from the family’s home in Delhi, expressed through tears, “I just want justice for my daughter.” Her father, Satbir Brella, added, “I want my son-in-law to be brought to justice and I want my daughter’s body brought home.”
Harshita Brella moved to the UK in April 2023 following an arranged marriage to Mr Lamba. Her sister, Sonia Dabas, said the couple had a legal wedding in August 2022 and a traditional Indian ceremony in March 2023 before settling in Northamptonshire. However, her family revealed that her life in the UK was far from happy.
A Troubled Marriage and History of Abuse
According to Ms Brella’s sister, the couple’s marriage was marred by tension and alleged domestic violence. In late August, Ms Brella reportedly called her family to say she had fled her home after being physically assaulted by her husband. “She said he was hitting her, and she escaped. He chased her on the streets and hit her again,” her sister recounted.
This incident led to a domestic violence protection order being issued against Mr Lamba in early September, lasting for 28 days. Northamptonshire Police confirmed that this order was in place before Ms Brella’s death. The force has referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior interactions with the victim.
A Heartbreaking End
The family last spoke to Ms Brella on 10 November, when she mentioned preparing dinner and awaiting her husband’s return. Concern grew when her phone remained off for the following days. By 13 November, the family asked acquaintances in the UK to file a complaint, leading to a welfare check by Northamptonshire Police and the subsequent discovery of her body.
Her sister described Harshita as inseparable from her family, particularly herself. “She was a part of me, and I was a part of her. I now feel like I can’t do anything in life without her,” Ms Dabas said.
Harshita’s father described his daughter as a serious and dedicated young woman who had dreamed of becoming a teacher. Before moving to the UK, she spent her days tutoring children and focusing on her studies.
The family hopes that Harshita’s body will be returned to India soon. “Her soul can get peace, and then maybe we will too,” her father said.