A recently married Indian woman in the UK was reportedly killed by her spouse despite being advised by the police not to leave the country, as stated by her family. Harshita Brella, aged 24, was strangled at her residence just eight months following her marriage to Pankaj Lamba. She had sought assistance from law enforcement, expressing concerns about her husband’s abusive behavior.
Allegations of mishandling domestic abuse accusations have led to four officers facing disciplinary actions. Harshita’s sister, Sonia Dabas, disclosed to the Daily Mail that her sister was fearful and wanted to return to India for safety, but the police instructed her and Lamba not to depart due to the ongoing case.
Tragically, Lamba managed to leave the country unquestioned after the murder, ultimately reaching India. Harshita’s family lamented that had she returned home as desired, she might still be alive today. The victim had reached out to Northamptonshire Police in August 2024 following an alleged attack by Lamba in Corby. Her lifeless body was found days later.
Lamba reportedly departed for India from Heathrow Airport days before Harshita’s discovery in East London. He was captured on camera withdrawing a substantial sum of money in Gurugram. Authorities are actively pursuing the part-time security guard, who faces charges of murder, rape, sexual assault, and coercive behavior towards Harshita.
In a poignant statement, Harshita’s father, Satbir Singh Brella, expressed regret that his daughter believed she could not leave the UK, despite his urging for her return. Northamptonshire Police has initiated a review of their previous interactions with Harshita, prompting an internal investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
