A woman found dead in the boot of a car in Ilford, London has been named by police as 24-year-old aspiring teacher, Harshita Brella.
A murder investigation and international manhunt is now underway after Harshita’s body was found in a vehicle in Brisbane Road, Ilford, shortly after midnight on Thursday 14th November 2024.
It was reported on Sunday 17th November that Harshita, who was from Corby, was made the subject of a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) at Northampton Magistrates Court just two months ago in early September.
The order prohibited her alleged abuser from visiting her workplace or engaging in any form of intimidation, harassment, or violence. However, the order lasted for only 28 days, and expired without further legal action.
Police have now confirmed her husband, Pankaj Lamba to be the perpetrator in question and the chief suspect for the murder of Harshita. He is suspected to have fled the country after transporting her body by car to Ilford. Hashita's father has disclosed that Lamba had complained about trivial matters, such as Harshita 'failing' to prepare meals on time and daring to maintain frequent communication with her mother after their marriage.
In August, Harshita reportedly called her father to say she had run away after being physically abused by Lamba. Her sister has also recounted how Harshita was pursued and attacked in public by Lamba before a passerby intervened, giving her a chance to escape and seek help.
Pankaj Lamba had form as an abusive man. He was known to the police as a danger to Harshita. Following these police failings, someone, somewhere, is now protecting and sheltering him - a murderer in their midst. ANYONE aiding Lamba in any way must do the right thing in reporting him to their country's authorities so that justice for the woman whose life he stole, can finally be secured.
A mandatory referral of the force has now been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact between the force and Harshita.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell from the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU), said in a statement: “Detectives from EMSOU and Northamptonshire Police are working around the clock to establish the circumstances behind her death, including the exact location and timeframe in which it took place.”
DCI Campbell urged anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Pankaj Lamba to contact police
Harshita Brella: yet another young woman, known of by the police and judiciary system, murdered by yet another man also known of by the police and judiciary system.
DVPO's that last only 28 days are a signifier of just how short-term and short-sighted current policing systems are in viewing the longevity of violent men's actions and intentions. They are consequently ineffectual and an insult to every woman in need of them for protection from violent men. Protection needed for a lifetime.
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