Detectives investigating the murder of 24-year-old Harshita Brella, from Corby, have released new CCTV images as they renew their appeal for information.
Harshita’s body was found in the boot of a vehicle in Brisbane Road, Ilford, east London, in the early hours of Thursday, November 14. The discovery followed a missing person investigation launched after officers were alerted to concerns about her welfare on Wednesday, November 13.
Timeline of Events
Harshita was last seen at her home on Skegness Walk, Corby, on the evening of Sunday, November 10. Investigators believe she was murdered that evening by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, aged 23, of Sturton Walk, Corby.
Detectives suspect Lamba transported Harshita’s body from Corby to Ilford in a silver Vauxhall Corsa on Monday, November 11, before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing the country.
A forensic postmortem examination conducted on Friday, November 15, at Leicester Royal Infirmary confirmed the preliminary cause of death as strangulation.
CCTV Images and Appeal for Witnesses
Newly released CCTV images show the silver Vauxhall Corsa and Lamba in Ilford, which detectives hope will prompt anyone who saw him or interacted with him between November 10 and 11 to come forward.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell, stated:
“We are following numerous lines of inquiry and working closely with our partners to secure justice for Harshita. The CCTV images provide critical details about Lamba’s movements, and we urge anyone who saw the vehicle or Lamba to contact us immediately.”
Call for Information
Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have seen:
- The silver Vauxhall Corsa travelling between Corby and Ilford.
- Suspicious activity in Brisbane Road, Ilford, or Corby between November 10 and 14.
- Lamba or any interaction with him during this time.
How to Help:
- Call 101, quoting Operation Westcott.
- Submit information via the public portal at www.mipp.police.uk.
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Support for the Family
Specialist officers are supporting Harshita’s family, who are struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of their daughter and sister.
“Our thoughts remain with Harshita’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” added DCI Campbell.
The inquest into Harshita’s death is scheduled to open on Wednesday, November 20, at 9:45 am at The Guildhall, Northampton.
For further updates on the investigation, visit the Northamptonshire Police website.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward to help bring justice for Harshita and her family.
