The family of Harshita Brella is seeking justice and answers after the 24-year-old was allegedly murdered by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, eight months after their arranged marriage.
Harshita, who moved from Delhi to Corby, Northamptonshire, in April 2024, reportedly endured escalating abuse from Lamba, which included violence, sexual assault, coercive control, and financial control. Her family learned the extent of her suffering through tearful conversations, particularly after a harrowing phone call on August 20, 2024.
During that call, Harshita, sobbing and running, told her father she had fled her home after a violent assault and feared for her life. She recounted to her family a disturbing existence where Lamba allegedly referred to himself as the "king" of the household and demanded strict obedience. Her sister, Sonia Dabas, recalled Harshita saying Lamba dictated her every move, scrutinized her spending, and even controlled minor purchases. According to the family, Lamba also allegedly had multiple affairs and controlled Harshita's wages, preventing her from spending money on necessities without his permission.
The abuse intensified after Harshita, in the early stages of pregnancy, bought a T-shirt for herself – the first item she had purchased without her husband's consent. Days later, she suffered a miscarriage. Her family noted a significant decline in her physical and emotional state, with Harshita writing to her sister, "Look at how I came here and look at what has become of me."
Following the August incident, Harshita reported the allegations to Northamptonshire Police. Lamba was arrested in September and released on police bail, with conditions including a Domestic Violence Protection Order. Despite these measures, Harshita was found strangled to death on November 10, 2024. Her body was discovered days later in the boot of a car abandoned in Ilford, east London.
Authorities believe Lamba boarded a flight to Mumbai the day after Harshita's death and is currently on the run in India. He has been charged with her murder and other offenses, but the family feels betrayed by authorities on both continents. They allege that Lamba emptied approximately £1,800 from Harshita's bank account before traveling to India, and that crucial opportunities to apprehend him may have been missed.
An investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct found that four officers had a case to answer regarding their handling of Harshita's case. While some proceedings have concluded with no case to answer for certain officers, others are pending. Harshita's family, who traveled to the UK seeking answers, have expressed frustration with the pace and outcome of the investigations.