“She lived here, she died here”: Family gather for Harshita Brella memorial
Her family are remembering her life in Corby as they continue to seek justice
Last updated 23rd May 2026
A memorial event is being held in Corby in honour of Harshita Brella, as her family visit the UK from India.
The event at Hazelwood Community Centre is bringing together family, friends and members of the community to remember her life and call for justice.
The family are currently visiting the UK from their home in New Delhi, as they seek answers and justice for Harshita.
24-year-old Harshita, had moved to Corby in Northamptonshire in 2024 following her marriage to Pankaj Lamba in India.
Her body was found in the boot of a Vauxhall Corsa in east London on 14th November that year. She is believed to have died by strangulation in Corby four days earlier.
Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, who has been charged with murder, is believed to have fled to India, and an international manhunt to locate him remains ongoing.
Remembering Harshita
Harshita’s sister, Sonia Dabas, said the support from the community during the family's visit to the UK has been overwhelming.
“It’s a lot for me,” she said. “Thank you to people in Corby and across the UK, and the media, who are supporting us in this fight to get justice.
Dabas said Corby holds deep significance for the family. “My sister lived here. My sister died here. Her whole journey in the UK is centred in Corby,” she said.
“You see her pictures, but that is just a small part of who she really was. She was so beautiful inside and out.”
Speaking about today's memorial, she said: “We are coming together and praying for her to get justice. I will share my feelings about my sister, so people know who Harshita was.”
“I’m requesting everyone to come and be there, to pray for justice. This is the time we recall all the memories of my sister.”
Dabas described her sister as kind and gentle, and said she wants people to understand who she really was. She said, “She was so sweet, kind-hearted, humble and innocent,”
She also pointed to the wider issue of domestic abuse. “Many women face this problem,” she said. “Harshita trusted the police, but they failed to protect her.”
Police and misconduct investigation
Northamptonshire Police said senior officers met with Harshita’s family at the police headquarters on Thursday.
Detective Superintendent Johnny Campbell said in a statement:
“During the meeting, I was able to update them on live criminal proceedings and reassure them of our absolute commitment to securing justice for Harshita.
“This has been, and remains, an exceptionally complex case, and we continue to work with the appropriate agencies both in the UK and internationally.”
He added that he wanted to thank the family for the dignity and patience they had shown during what he described as an ''extremely difficult time'', and said they remained in his thoughts as they continue to grieve.
As the murder investigation continues, Northamptonshire Police is also reviewing the actions taken by officers before Harshita’s death, after she had sought their protection in the months leading up to it.
Separately, the Independent Office for Police Conduct has found that four Northamptonshire Police officers should face misconduct proceedings over their handling of previous abuse allegations made by Ms Brella.
A misconduct meeting for two officers, in relation to police contact with Harshita Brella prior to her death in November 2024, took place on Thursday 21st May.
Northamptonshire Police said: “As a result of these internal disciplinary proceedings, it was determined that misconduct was not proved.''
According to the police gross misconduct hearings for two detective constables is expected to be held later this year.
Community support
Dabas said the support from local organisations such as Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council and the wider community had been vital in helping the family travel to the UK and continue their campaign.
“Without them, we couldn’t come here,” she said. “The support means a lot. Without support, we can’t fight for my sister.”
The family are expected to return to India next week, but say they will continue to push for justice.
Dabas is urging members of the public to come along and show their support at the memorial, regardless of whether they knew Harshita.
“I just want everyone to come to the memorial event and pray for justice.”
Harshita Brella's memorial event is taking place at Hazelwood Community Centre on Gainsborough Road in Corby from 15:30 to 16:30.
Donations are also being accepted to help support the family as they continue their campaign for justice.