Justice Delayed: The Uncaught Killer of Harshita Brella

Mon Nov 10 2025 03:28:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

One year after the tragic murder of Harshita Brella, her family questions the lack of progress in the investigation as her husband remains at large.

On the first anniversary of Harshita Brella's murder in the UK, her family expresses outrage at the slow investigation. Harshita's husband, Pankaj Lamba, remains a fugitive in India, facing charges but evading capture despite claims of police negligence in handling previous domestic abuse reports. The family urges both Indian and UK authorities for justice.

One year since Harshita Brella was strangled to death in the UK, there is a sense of disbelief in her family home in the Indian capital Delhi.

Why has her killer not been caught yet? Neither the UK government nor the Indian government are doing anything, Harshita's mother Sudesh Kumari says, sobbing into her scarf. I want justice for my daughter. Only then will I find peace.

Harshita's body was found in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on 14 November 2024, a day after her family contacted UK police to say they had not heard from her since 10 November.

Police believe Harshita, 24, was murdered on that day in Corby, Northamptonshire, by her husband Pankaj Lamba, who fled to India soon after the killing and is still on the run.

The couple, both Indian nationals, had moved from Delhi to the UK, settling in Corby, earlier that year.

In March this year, police in Northamptonshire charged him with murder. He also faces charges of rape, sexual assault and controlling or coercive behaviour.

Harshita's sister Sonia Dabas is frustrated with the pace of investigations.

We are very disappointed with the UK police. Maybe because we are not citizens of the UK, that's why they are not serious about this case. They are sending out a message that foreign nationals are not safe in the UK, she told the BBC.

Two months before Harshita was killed, on 3 September, she had filed a case of domestic abuse against her husband. He was arrested and later released on bail on condition that he did not harass, pester or intimidate Harshita.

Four officers of the Northamptonshire Police are being investigated over their handling of Harshita's domestic abuse report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Harshita's family believes Pankaj Lamba is in India, being shielded by Indian police. Sonia expressed their discontent about the perceived corruption and negligence by the authorities.

Pankaj Lamba's family, however, rejected all charges against him and denied any contact with him since 10 November 2024. Meanwhile, Harshita's family continues to seek justice, visiting police stations and courts, fueled by memories of their daughter and the hope for closure in her tragic case.