Husband Wanted in Global Manhunt After Woman Found Dead in Car Boot

The husband of a 24-year-old woman found dead in the boot of a car in east London has been named as the prime suspect in her killing and is believed to have fled the country, according to police.

Harshita Brella, a resident of Corby, Northamptonshire, was reported missing last Wednesday. Her body was discovered near a park in Ilford the following day.

Police have revealed that she was a victim of domestic violence and had been under a protective court order issued weeks before her death.

In September, Northampton Magistrates’ Court issued a 28-day order barring a man, whose name has not been disclosed, from contacting Harshita. The order prohibited him from visiting her workplace, threatening her, or engaging in harassment.

The 24-year-old had vanished from her home nearly 100 miles away in Corby, Northamptonshire (Picture: Northamptonshire Police)

Despite these precautions, the circumstances surrounding her death have raised concerns, prompting police to refer themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact with the victim.

During a press conference in Kettering, Chief Inspector Paul Cash stated that investigators believe Harshita was murdered earlier this month in Northamptonshire by her husband, Pankaj Lamba. Authorities suspect Lamba transported her body to Ilford by car and have confirmed that he is no longer in the UK.

Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell from the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU) described the case as a tragic loss, highlighting that Harshita was a young woman with her entire future ahead of her.

More than 60 detectives are currently involved in the investigation, which includes searching properties in Corby to establish the precise timeline and location of her death.

Neighbours reported hearing an argument in Harshita’s home the night before her disappearance. Kelly Philp, a neighbour who shares a wall with her residence, described hearing a loud commotion, with raised voices and banging sounds.

Northamptonshire Police have named Harshita’s husband Pankaj Lamba as the prime suspect (Picture: PA)

She noted that the argument seemed aggressive and that the woman sounded scared. Another neighbour stated that police appeared to focus on identifying men in the area, particularly in connection to a vehicle near the residence.

Police continue to guard outside the home of Harshita Brella, 24, in Corby, Northamptonshire (Picture: Roland Leon)

The local community has expressed shock and horror at the incident. One resident described the area as unsafe and recounted seeing a vehicle leave the scene hastily. Others noted frequent disturbances in the neighbourhood, but many dismissed earlier noises as part of the area’s usual background.

Police have named Panjak Lamba as the prime suspect, who is believed to have fled the country (Picture: PA Wire)

Police investigations are underway in Corby and Ilford after the body of a 24-year-old woman was discovered in a car boot near Valentines Park in Ilford (Picture: UKNIP)

Mystery continues to surround the circumstances behind Harshita Brella’s death (Picture: Roland Leon)

Harshita’s death has left residents and authorities grappling with unanswered questions as the investigation continues. Efforts to locate her husband and bring him to justice are underway while detectives work tirelessly to uncover the full circumstances behind her tragic death.