Formal Inquiry Initiated into Harshita Brella’s Death

An investigation into the death of Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old woman from Corby, Northamptonshire, has commenced following the discovery of her body in the boot of a car. Authorities suspect her husband, Pankaj Lamba, murdered her before transporting her body to Ilford, east London, and abandoning it in the vehicle. During the inquest proceedings held in Northampton, senior coroner Anne Pember stated that the preliminary cause of death was “manual strangulation pending toxicology and histology”. The hearing has been postponed and is scheduled to reconvene on 21 May 2025. Ms Pember also noted that Ms Brella’s body “had not yet been released”. Mr. Lamba, 23, who is considered the primary suspect, is believed to have left the country, and his current location remains undisclosed. Northamptonshire Police have circulated a photograph of Mr. Lamba in east London, which investigators suggest was captured subsequent to him abandoning his wife’s body in the vehicle. On 13 November, officers visited Ms Brella’s residence on Skegness Walk, Corby, due to concerns for her well-being. Following her inability to be located, a missing person inquiry was initiated, culminating in the finding of her body inside the boot of a car on Brisbane Road, Ilford, on 14 November. Lee Barron, the Member of Parliament for Corby and East Northamptonshire, addressed Ms Brella’s “tragic” death during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday. He questioned Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner on whether the government would contemplate extending the duration of domestic abuse protection orders beyond 28 days for the “most vulnerable” individuals. Prior to her death, Ms Brella had been subject to a domestic violence protection order, which was issued in early September and remained active for 28 days. In response, Rayner stated: “Harshita should have been protected. The government is committed to halving violence against women.” For updates on Northamptonshire news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.