International Manhunt Launched for Husband After Young Woman Found Dead in Car Boot
Disturbing Neighbourhood Drama Before Tragedy
An urgent global hunt is underway for Pankaj Lamba, husband of 24-year-old Harshita Brella, whose body was shockingly found dumped in the boot of a car in Ilford, East London, last week.
Neighbours in Corby, where Harshita lived, described hearing intense, terrifying arguments days before her death.
Kelly Philp, a close neighbour, recalled a heated row on Wednesday. “They were arguing in a different language, but the woman sounded scared,” Kelly told reporters. “There was banging and chaos between a man and a woman. I thought it was just a relationship row and didn’t call the police.”
Kelly also added she overheard two men fighting in another language early Saturday, followed by the loud slam of a back gate. She now feels “vulnerable and on edge” following the shocking news.
Events Unfold: Missing Person to Murder Investigation
Northamptonshire Police launched a missing person inquiry on November 13 after someone reported concerns about Harshita’s welfare. Officers visited her Corby home on Skegness Walk but received no response.
Hours later, Harshita’s lifeless body was discovered in a car boot on Brisbane Road, Ilford, near Valentines Park. A post-mortem confirmed she was murdered.
Police suspect she was killed in Northamptonshire, then her body was transported to Ilford—likely by her husband, who has now fled the country.
Dark Past: Domestic Violence and Police Probe
Northamptonshire Police revealed Harshita had previously suffered domestic abuse and was protected by a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) since September. The order barred the perpetrator from contacting her or visiting her workplace.
Following her death, police handed the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to earlier contact with the victim.
Chief Inspector Paul Cash said: “We suspect Harshita was murdered by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, who then transported her body to Ilford. Inquiries suggest he’s fled abroad.”
More than 60 detectives are now involved, carrying out door-to-door inquiries, CCTV reviews, and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) checks.
Community in Shock and Police Appeal
The Corby community remains stunned. Harshita’s shared house, home to up to 12 people, has become the centre of police operations. Extra patrols are now on the streets to reassure locals.
Chief Inspector Cash urged: “If you saw anything suspicious or have any information—no matter how small—please get in touch.”
Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell added: “While we believe Harshita knew her attacker, we’re keeping an open mind. Anyone with info about her life or movements must come forward.”
How to Help Catch the Killer
- Call 101 quoting Operation Westcott
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
- Submit tips online at mipp.police.uk
The tragedy puts a harsh spotlight on the urgent need to protect domestic abuse victims and prevent future horrors.
Originally published by UKNIP.
