An international manhunt has been launched for the husband of a woman who was tragically found dead in the boot of a car. Northamptonshire Police has identified Pankaj Lamba as the primary suspect in the murder case of 24-year-old Harshita Brella from Corby. Chief Inspector Paul Cash revealed in a press conference in Kettering that they suspect Lamba to be responsible for Brella’s murder in Northamptonshire earlier in the month. It is believed that Lamba then transported her body to Ilford before fleeing the country.
The murder investigation was initiated after Brella’s body was discovered inside the vehicle’s boot in Ilford, east London, following a report from a concerned member of the public. Authorities visited her residence in Corby but received no response, prompting a missing person investigation that led to the grim discovery. Reports indicate that Brella had previously been a victim of domestic violence, resulting in a Domestic Violence Protection Order being issued in early September at Northampton Magistrates’ Court.
In light of the complex case, Northamptonshire Police has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior interactions with Brella. Chief Inspector Cash affirmed that a dedicated team of over 60 detectives is diligently working on the investigation, conducting thorough inquiries and leveraging various resources such as CCTV footage to uncover the circumstances surrounding Brella’s death.
Authorities have emphasised the importance of public assistance in providing any information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, to aid in bringing Brella’s killer to justice. Extra police patrols have been arranged in Corby to reassure the community, with authorities assuring that there is no broader risk to the public. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact the police quoting Operation Westcott or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously.
The community is being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that may assist in the ongoing investigation. Northamptonshire Police, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, are working tirelessly to seek justice for Harshita Brella and ensure that her perpetrator is held accountable for this heinous crime. As the international manhunt intensifies, authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to unravel the complexities of this tragic case and deliver closure for Brella’s loved ones.