- By Supratik Das
- Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Harshita Brella murder case: A team of UK police officers has travelled to India as part of an ongoing search for Pankaj Lamba, the man accused of brutally murdering his 24-year-old wife, Harshita Brella, in the United Kingdom last year. Lamba, who fled to India soon after the crime, was reportedly spotted running a small grocery shop near Delhi earlier this year, according to multiple media reports.
Harshita’s body was discovered hidden in the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa car in Ilford, East London, on November 14, 2024. Investigators believe she was strangled to death four days earlier, on November 10, at the couple’s home in Corby, Northamptonshire. The couple, both originally from Delhi, had moved to the UK earlier that year after their wedding in March 2024.
UK Police File Multiple Charges
In March this year, Northamptonshire Police charged Lamba with murder, rape, sexual assault, and controlling or coercive behaviour. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) later launched an inquiry into how officers handled Harshita’s earlier domestic abuse complaint against her husband. The IOPC said its findings have been shared with the force, which has until mid-November to respond.
In their modest home in south-west Delhi, Harshita’s grieving parents continue their search for justice. Her mother, Sudesh Kumari, says the UK authorities are not doing enough to locate her daughter’s killer. “Why has her killer not been caught yet? Both governments are silent. I just want justice for my daughter,” she told reporters, tears streaming down her face.
Her sister, Sonia Dabas, echoed the same frustration. “Maybe because we are not British citizens, they don’t take our case seriously. It sends a message that foreign nationals are not safe in the UK,” she said.
Seen in Delhi And Gurgaon, Says Family
According to reports by BBC Lamba was seen running a small snack and vegetable store near his childhood home outside Delhi in early 2025. Locals said he kept his face covered and was often seen with a woman and a child. “He suddenly shut the shop and vanished around April when police began closing in,” said Sunil Saini, a local resident and Lamba’s former school teacher.
The family believes he may still be in India, possibly shielded by relatives. “He has relatives in the police. CCTV footage showed him withdrawing money from a bank in March. How can he not be traced?” Sonia alleged.
Earlier this year, Harshita’s sister filed a petition in the Delhi High Court expressing concern that India’s Ministry of External Affairs was not actively following up with UK authorities. The court directed the ministry to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with British investigators and keep the family informed of developments.
Delhi Police have confirmed arrests in connection with dowry harassment case filed by Harshita’s parents against Lamba’s family, who are now out on bail. As Harshita’s parents continue to wear their daughter’s belongings to feel closer to her, their demand remains simple yet heartbreaking , justice delayed must not become justice denied.
