Vigil Held for Harshita Brella, Suspected Murder Victim

A torch-lit procession and vigil took place in remembrance of Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old woman whom authorities suspect was murdered by her husband. Ms. Brella is believed to have been killed by her husband in Corby, Northamptonshire, with her body subsequently discovered abandoned in a vehicle in east London. A substantial number of people participated in the walk, which proceeded from Corby Boating Lake to Corby Cube on Friday evening. Lou Cory, the organiser of the vigil, commented, “Serious crime like this in Corby is very, very rare, so this has hit us hard.” She further added, “We’ve always been a community with a spirit.” “We definitely want this to send a message to [Harshita’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.” An arts group from the area recited a poem in tribute to Ms Brella, and a spokesperson from a Northampton domestic abuse support organization addressed those gathered. Surinder Bhoday, 74 years old, who has resided in Corby for 51 years, also spoke. He explained, “[Harshita] was a resident here and it is only a small town, so we would like to pay our respects to her.” He further remarked, “It is so sad that is it happening on the doorstep.” Earlier on Friday, Northamptonshire Police made an announcement regarding the repatriation of Ms Brella’s body to India. Pankaj Lamba, 23, identified as the suspect, is believed to have left the country. He had previously been arrested on 3 September after a report of domestic abuse from Ms Brella, and a Domestic Violence Protection Order had been issued for her protection. Northamptonshire Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to its prior engagement with her.