Husband Accused of Killing Wife Still at Large in India

In a tragic case that has spanned borders, UK police are still searching for Pankaj Lamba, the man accused of murdering his wife Harshita Brella in 2024. Brella, a 24-year-old from Delhi, was found strangled and hidden in the boot of a car in Ilford, East London, on November 14, 2024. Investigators believe she was killed days earlier, on November 10, in Corby, Northamptonshire.

Lamba, Brella's husband, fled to India soon after the crime and has remained missing. In March 2025, Northamptonshire Police charged Lamba with murder, rape, sexual assault, and forceful behavior. Detectives traveled to India in July to meet Brella's family and return her belongings.

According to reports, Lamba was spotted running a snack and vegetable store near his childhood home in Delhi earlier this year. He kept his face covered and was often seen with a woman and a young child. However, the shop suddenly shut down in April, and locals believe Lamba left the area when police began closing in.

Brella's family is deeply disappointed with the lack of progress in the case. Her mother, Sudesh Kumari, expressed frustration, saying, "Why has her killer not been caught yet? Neither the UK government nor the Indian government are doing anything. I want justice for my daughter. Only then will I find peace." Her sister, Sonia Dabas, also feels the family has been ignored by both governments.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating four Northamptonshire Police officers over how they handled Brella's domestic abuse complaint before her murder. The report has been completed and shared with the force, which has until mid-November to respond.