Tragedy Strikes: Harshita Brella’s Alleged Murder Shocks Family
Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old woman from Delhi, was allegedly murdered by her husband Pankaj Lamba in the UK, with her body discovered in a car boot in east London. Her grieving family is now seeking justice and the return of her remains.
Brella had moved to the UK in April 2023 after an arranged marriage, initially excited about her new life. Her sister, Sonia Dabas, described her as a dedicated individual who loved tutoring children and aspired to become a teacher. The sisters were extremely close, with Dabas saying they were “inseparable.”
The family’s last phone conversation with Brella was on November 10th, when she mentioned preparing dinner and waiting for her husband to return home. When her phone went silent for two days, her family became concerned and attempted to file a complaint. Northamptonshire Police were eventually contacted, leading to the discovery of her body and the launch of a murder investigation.
The marriage, which began with a legal wedding in August 2023 and a traditional ceremony in March, quickly deteriorated. Dabas revealed that her sister “didn’t live a very happy life in London” and “struggled a lot because of her husband.” Her father reported that Lamba would complain about her not preparing food “on time” and talking too much to her mother.
In a disturbing incident at the end of August, Brella contacted her father, claiming she had run away after being physically abused. She described her husband chasing and hitting her on the street, only stopping when a local intervened. A domestic violence protection order was issued in early September, lasting 28 days.
Northamptonshire Police believe Lamba murdered Brella and subsequently fled the country after transporting her body to Ilford, east London. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been notified due to previous contact with the victim.
Brella’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, spoke through tears, simply stating, “I just want justice for my daughter.” Her father, Satbir Brella, echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire for his son-in-law to be brought to justice and for his daughter’s body to be returned to India.
“I want my daughter’s body brought home so her soul can get peace,” Satbir Brella told the BBC, reflecting the family’s deep anguish and cultural beliefs about providing proper last rites.
The case highlights the potential dangers of domestic violence and the challenges faced by individuals in arranged marriages, particularly those navigating life in a new country.
As the investigation continues, Brella’s family mourns the loss of a young woman described as simple, serious, and dedicated to her dreams of becoming a teacher.
