Suspect in murder of woman found dead in car boot remains at large as family pursue justice

Harshita Brella’s body was discovered in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London in November last year - (Family handout/PA)

The prime suspect in the murder of a woman whose body was found in the boot of a car remains on the run as her family vow to get justice for her.

Harshita Brella, 24, was found in a silver Vauxhall Corsa in Brisbane Road, Ilford, east London, on November 14 2024.

It is believed her husband, Pankaj Lamba, fled to India.

Ms Brella’s sister, Sonia Dabas, told ITV News during a visit to the UK that “her pain, strength and memories are inside me and I’m going to get justice for my sister”.

She was speaking as members of Ms Brella’s family, from India, were visiting the UK as part of their campaign for justice.

Pankaj Lamba is the prime suspect in the murder of his wife (Northamptonshire Police)

A murder charge has been authorised against her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 24, who is also accused of two counts of rape, sexual assault and controlling or coercive behaviour.

Northamptonshire Police previously said they believed Ms Brella was strangled in Corby on the evening of November 10 and her body driven to Ilford the next day.

Ms Brella’s mother, Sudesh Kumari, speaking via an interpreter, said: “Whenever she would call she would say she is fine and happy and enjoying life. She would say to me, ‘mummy, I will bring you over here, my life is happy, I will bring you when I have some money and my own house’.

Harshita Brella's mother Sudesh Kumari laying flowers at the estate where Harshita lived (ITV News/PA Wire)

“I never anticipated that I would have to travel to Corby under these tragic circumstances. I feel so sad about coming here without her.”

During their trip, Ms Brella’s family went to a lake where she had been seen.

Her father, Satbir Singh, told ITV News: “It gives me a pain to see this place again. I would have come with her. Now that I have seen this place, I miss my daughter a lot.”

Speaking in 2025, after Lamba was charged, detective chief inspector Johnny Campbell said: “We are committed to securing justice for Harshita and her family and continue to offer our support at this difficult time.

“It remains an active investigation and as such, there continue to be aspects of the case that we are unable to comment on at this time.

“We would urge all parties to respect the judicial process to ensure the integrity of the proceedings.”