Family calls for justice ahead of police meeting

The family of a woman believed to have been murdered by her husband have called for justice before a meeting with police officers investigating her death.

Harshita Brella, 24, married Pankaj Lamba in India before moving to Corby, Northamptonshire, in 2024.

Lamba was named as the prime suspect after her body was found in the boot of a Vauxhall Corsa in east London on 14 November 2024, but is believed to have left the UK for India.

Det Supt Johnny Campbell of Northamptonshire Police said that during the meeting, he reassured the family of the force's "absolute commitment to secure justice for Harshita".

In August 2024, Brella had contacted police, accusing Lamba of abusing her.

He was arrested and released on bail, with conditions not to contact his wife.

The following month she was issued with a domestic violence protection order lasting 28 days, but in November her body was found in London, with signs she had been strangled four days earlier.

A murder charge was authorised against Lamba, who is also accused of two counts of rape, sexual assault and controlling or coercive behaviour.

Her family, who have travelled from India, have said they do not believe police did enough to keep her safe.

On Thursday a police misconduct meeting was held relating to two Northamptonshire officers who were in contact with Brella prior to her death, but the force is yet to share the result.

A disciplinary investigation against two other officers is still under way.

The family met representatives from the force on Thursday afternoon, including deputy chief constable Ash Tuckley and investigating officers in the case.

Ahead of the meeting, Brella's sister, Sonia Dabas, said: "I just want justice right now, that's it. It's my priority. It's everything for me right now. I just want justice."

She said Brella had told her she was surviving physical and mental abuse but that police were not helping her.

"If they did listen to my sister's voice that time, maybe [she would be] alive," she said.

Speaking after the meeting, Campbell said: "This has been and remains an exceptionally complex case and we are continuing to work with the appropriate agencies in both the UK and internationally.

"I would also like to thank Harshita's family for their dignity and patience as our work to secure justice for Harshita continues."

Describing his daughter, Satbir Singh said: "Harshita was a very soft-natured girl and she never thought that she will do bad to anyone and she was a very studious student.

"I remember everything about her from her childhood, but the most memorable thing is when she got married and she was saying goodbye to us at our home, she gave me a tight hug and that is what I still remember."

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