Police update family on ‘complex’ Harshita investigation
Family of Harshita seek answers during UK visit
Northamptonshire Police say they remain committed to securing justice for the family of Harshita Brella, who was murdered in 2024.
The family are currently visiting the UK from their home in New Delhi, including a visit to Corby, as they seek answers and justice for Harshita. They are being supported by the Northamptonshire Rights and Equalities Council and have met with officers and members of the investigation team at Northamptonshire Police Headquarters.
24-year-old Harshita had been living in Corby before her body was discovered in the boot of a car in east London. Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, who has been charged with murder, is believed to have fled to India, and a manhunt to locate him remains ongoing.
In a statement, Detective Superintendent Johnny Campbell said:
“Today at Northamptonshire Police headquarters, alongside Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley, Commissioner Danielle Stone and members of the investigation team, we had the privilege of meeting the family.
“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.
Detective Superintendent Campbell said he also wanted to thank Harshita’s family for the dignity and patience they had shown during what he described as an extremely difficult time, adding they remained in his thoughts as they continue to grieve for their much-loved daughter and sister.
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 concluded that four Northamptonshire Police officers should face misconduct proceedings over their handling of previous abuse allegations reported by Ms Brella.
According to IRN, Harshita’s sister said:
“The police totally failed to protect my sister. That’s why we are here. They never gave guidance to her, they never warned her about the risk, and this is the result.
During their visit, Ms Brella’s family visited a local lake where Harshita had been seen shortly before her death.
Her father, Satbir Singh, told ITV News: “It’s painful to come back to this place. I should have been here with her. Seeing it now makes me miss my daughter even more.”
A memorial event organised by Harshita’s family is being held in Corby on Saturday, May 23, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm at the Hazelwood Community Centre on Gainsborough Road, where people are being invited to pay their respects.