Harshita Brella murder case: What we know so far

Harshita Brella's body was discovered in the boot of a car in London on 14 November

The family of Harshita Brella, whose body was found in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, have said they are "heartbroken".

Police believe Ms Brella, 24, from Corby, Northamptonshire, was murdered by her husband, Pankaj Lamba.

Ms Brella's family said she and Mr Lamba, 23, had entered into an arranged marriage, with a legal wedding held in August 2023.

The couple had their traditional Indian ceremony on 22 March 2024, before they left for the UK around 30 April, settling in Corby.

Here is what we know so far about the investigation:

3 September 2024: Lamba arrested and Domestic Violence Protection Order issued

Ms Brella was the subject of a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in the months before her death.

Following a report of domestic abuse against Ms Brella in August, Mr Lamba was arrested and released with bail conditions and a DVPO was issued.

The order told Mr Lamba not to harass, pester or intimidate her.

He was also told to pay police £480 in costs.

After 28 days, on 1 October, the order expired.

10 November 2024: Last spoke to family in India

Her family said they had last spoken to Ms Brella by phone.

She told them she had made dinner and was waiting for Mr Lamba to come home.

Her sister, Sonia Dabas, said Ms Brella's phone was off for the next two days, and by 13 November they "thought something was wrong".

13 November 2024: Northamptonshire Police contacted

Three days later, the family contacted Northamptonshire Police and told the force about their concerns for Ms Brella's welfare. This led to the discovery of her body - and the launch of a murder investigation.

The force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) - a mandatory step because of officers' previous contact with Ms Brella.

Harshita Brella's body was found in a car on Brisbane Road, Ilford

14 November 2024: Harshita's body found in east London

Ms Brella was found by police in the early hours of 14 November in a vehicle on Brisbane Road, Ilford, 100 miles (160km) from her home in Corby.

The following day, Northamptonshire Police said a forensic post-mortem examination, which took place at Leicester Royal Infirmary, established Ms Brella was murdered.

Police have been looking for Ms Brella's husband, Pankaj Lamba

17 November 2024: Murder investigation begins

Northamptonshire Police opened a murder investigation and named Ms Brella's husband, Pankaj Lamba, as the prime suspect.

Officers suspected Mr Lamba had fled the country, prompting an international manhunt.

19 November 2024: Cause of death revealed and CCTV images released

Northamptonshire Police said a post-mortem examination found the preliminary cause of death was strangulation.

Detectives also released new CCTV pictures of Mr Lamba and a silver Vauxhall Corsa, which they believe he drove from Corby to Ilford sometime on the morning of 11 November.

Police released a CCTV image of a silver Vauxhall Corsa, which they believed was driven by Pankaj Lamba

20 November 2024: Inquest opened

The inquest into Ms Brella's death was opened and adjourned at the Guildhall in Northampton.

The senior coroner for Northamptonshire, Anne Pember, said Ms Brella's body had not yet been released.

The inquest was due to resume on 21 May 2025.

A CCTV image showed Mr Lamba and Ms Brella walking near Corby's boating lake

21 November 2024: Police share CCTV image of couple

Detectives released a CCTV image of Ms Brella walking with Mr Lamba on the night they believe she was killed.

The picture showed the pair walking together near Corby's boating lake on 10 November.

Det Ch Insp Johnny Campbell, from the East Midlands major crime unit, said searches were being carried out in the area.

"We know that it's a busy part of the town and there will have been a lot of passing traffic," he added.

The force appealed to anyone who was in Corby between 18:00 and 21:00 that day, specifically near the boating lake, Cottingham Road and Westcott Way, to get in touch.

29 November 2024: Harshita Brella's body due to be repatriated

Police announced the body of Ms Brella would be sent back to her family in India.

Sentimental items belonging to her would also be given over, so funeral arrangements could begin.

30 November 2024: Vigil held in Corby

A torch-lit walk and vigil was held from Corby Boating Lake to the Corby Cube on Friday night.

Lou Cory, who organised the vigil, said: "We definitely want this to send a message to [Ms Brella's family] to say that we are also grieving for her - and for their loss - and we feel for them at this time, when they are so far away."

A local art group also read a poem dedicated to Ms Brella, and a representative from a Northampton domestic abuse service spoke to the crowd.

A vigil took place next to Corby Cube

3 December 2024: Funeral held in India

Dozens of people assembled outside Ms Brella's family home in Delhi as her casket was laid to rest.

18 March 2025: Mr Lamba's parents arrested

Police in India arrested Mr Lamba's parents on charges of causing Ms Brella's death by subjecting her to cruelty, following a complaint from her family.

Indian police said they arrested the parents under what was locally called the "dowry death" law.

9 November 2025: Brella family criticises UK police over case delays

The family of Ms Brella voiced frustration at the pace of the investigation into her death.

Speaking in Delhi, her mother Sudesh Kumari said they "want justice", while her sister Sonia Dabas accused Northamptonshire Police of negligence.

The next day, the Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, Lee Barron, wrote to the Home Secretary seeking "reassurances" the case was being handled properly.

Northamptonshire Police said it was "an exceptionally complex case", and "with criminal proceedings now active in the UK, we are unable to go into detail about the investigation at this time".

24 November 2025: Officers to face misconduct inquiry

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said four Northamptonshire Police officers should face misconduct proceedings, over their handling of the abuse allegations made by Ms Brella.

IOPC director, Derrick Campbell, said its investigation examined the force's response, communication with Ms Brella and safeguarding measures, concluding that a disciplinary panel should decide whether the allegations are proven.