The family of Harshita Brella, the Indian woman whose body was discovered inside the boot of a car in east London last year, is expected to travel to the UK this week as they continue their fight for justice in the case, according to the BBC.
Details of the Case
Brella, 24, was found dead inside a Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford in November 2024, around 100 miles from her home in Corby, Northamptonshire. Police believe she was killed days earlier, with investigators later stating that she is believed to have died by strangulation.
Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, remains wanted in connection with the case after prosecutors authorised a murder charge against him. Authorities believe he fled the UK for India shortly after Brella’s death, and an international search remains ongoing.
Background of the Victim
Originally from Delhi, Brella had moved to the UK after an arranged marriage to Lamba in March 2024.
Family's Journey to the UK
The victim’s parents, Satbir Singh Brella and Sudesh Kumari, along with her sister, are now preparing to visit Britain with support from the Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council (NREC) and advocacy group Indian Ladies in UK (ILUK).
According to NREC, the family hopes to meet officials and publicly speak about their grief as well as concerns over the handling of the case. “They have waited more than a year with very limited progress,” Anjona Roy, chief executive of NREC, said speaking to BBC. “They deserve clarity, accountability, and urgent action.”
She added that the case had raised wider concerns about the way domestic abuse complaints are handled, particularly involving women who may be isolated after moving to the UK.
Police Misconduct Proceedings
Last year, the Independent Office for Police Conduct directed Northamptonshire Police to begin misconduct proceedings against four officers over their handling of abuse allegations previously reported by Brella. The watchdog said Brella had contacted police in August 2024 claiming she was facing abuse. Lamba was later arrested and released on bail with conditions preventing him from contacting his wife. A domestic violence protection order was also issued against him. Weeks later, Brella’s body was found in the boot of the vehicle in east London.
