Mother of Harshita Brella Murder Suspect Expresses Disbelief

The mother of the individual whom law enforcement suspects of murdering Harshita Brella has stated her “cannot believe” that he would have taken his wife’s life. Sunil Devi informed the BBC that she communicated with the pair on November 10 – the date authorities suspect Harshita was fatally strangled in Corby, Northamptonshire – and they appeared “happy”. Harshita’s remains were found in a vehicle’s trunk in east London four days subsequent to this. Ms. Devi’s son, Pankaj Lamba, is considered the primary suspect in the ongoing murder inquiry. He was previously known to police, having been apprehended on September 3 and subjected to a domestic violence protection order. This order, which prohibited him from harassing or intimidating Harshita, concluded on October 1. “I don’t know anything but I cannot believe this,” Ms. Devi conveyed to the BBC from her residence in a small village located in Haryana, India. She concealed her face throughout the interview due to the disgrace this situation has inflicted upon her family. She mentioned that her son and daughter-in-law had sent her images of meals they had prepared on November 10, leading her to believe they were “happy in their lives.” However, earlier this week, Harshita’s relatives informed the BBC that she had feared for her safety and was convinced Mr. Lamba “was going to kill her.” Her family additionally stated that Harshita experienced a miscarriage in the weeks preceding her demise. They suspect Mr. Lamba is currently in India, but reported that local police were “not listening” to their concerns. Authorities in India have communicated to the BBC that UK officials have not yet asked for their involvement. Ms. Devi stated that she is unaware of her son’s whereabouts or if he is still alive. “Some people even say he’s been killed. We don’t know what people are saying. I can’t understand anything. We’ve left it to God,” she commented. When questioned regarding claims that her son had physically assaulted his wife, she responded: “Only the police know what happened, what do we know? We are continents away.” She further expressed her uncertainty about how to proceed, now that her sole son is implicated in a murder inquiry. “We are completely finished. We are now left with no support,” she declared. She also asserted that she was unaware of any accusations of violence and abuse, as reported by Harshita and her family. Upon inquiry by the BBC, Northamptonshire Police refrained from confirming whether they are communicating with officials in India, the country where Mr. Lamba is thought to be located. Indian law enforcement has indicated that they have been unable to initiate an investigation because the offense occurred within the UK. Mr. Lamba had been residing in the UK under a student visa. He and Harshita entered into an arranged marriage, solemnized in March in India, prior to their relocation to the UK in April.