British Detectives Fly to India in Manhunt for Harshita Brella’ Accused Killer

In a significant development in the murder case of 24-year-old Harshita Brella, British police detectives have travelled to India as part of an international manhunt for the prime suspect, her husband, Pankaj Lamba. The move underscores the complexity of the case, which spans continents and highlights the challenges of pursuing a fugitive across international borders.

The Case Timeline and Suspect’s Escape

Harshita Brella, an Indian national living in the UK, was found dead in the boot of a car in Ilford, East London, on November 14, 2024. She had been reported missing from her home in Corby, Northamptonshire, just days earlier. Investigations by Northamptonshire Police quickly led to the identification of her husband, Pankaj Lamba, as the main suspect in her murder. It is believed that Ms. Brella was strangled on November 10, 2024, before her body was driven nearly 100 miles to London.

Police suspect that Lamba fled the UK shortly after the alleged crime, returning to India. An international manhunt was subsequently launched. Despite being charged in his absence with murder—as well as two counts of rape, sexual assault, and controlling or coercive behaviour—Lamba has remained at large for nearly a year. Further sightings of the fugitive have been reported in India, including CCTV footage from March 2025 showing him withdrawing a substantial sum of money from banks in Gurgaon, a city near Delhi. More recently, reports suggested he was seen running a snack and vegetable shop near his childhood home before its sudden closure.

International Search and Family’s Plea

The deployment of British detectives to India marks a concerted effort to locate and apprehend Lamba. Their presence in the country is crucial for liaising directly with the Indian authorities, including the Delhi Police, and progressing the investigation on the ground where the suspect is believed to be hiding.

The family of the victim, who had previously reported that Harshita was facing domestic abuse and dowry-related violence, have expressed their deep frustration over the time it has taken to secure justice. Harshita’s sister, Sonia Dabas, has publicly called for India’s federal investigation agency to take over the case, citing a lack of visible progress from local Indian police.

The Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Johnny Campbell, who previously travelled to India in July 2025 to meet with the victim’s family, released a statement reaffirming the force’s commitment: “The investigation is very much ongoing and we remain as determined as ever to bring the person responsible for Harshita’s death to justice.”

Focus on Extradition

The ultimate goal for the British authorities is Lamba’s arrest and subsequent extradition to the UK to face trial. Extradition is a complex legal process governed by treaties and agreements between sovereign nations, requiring the UK to formally request Lamba’s surrender to the Indian government. The successful cooperation between Northamptonshire Police and their counterparts in India is vital to overcome the legal and logistical hurdles involved in bringing an international fugitive to trial.

The continued presence of UK detectives in India signals an intensified phase of the operation, providing a renewed sense of hope for Harshita Brella’s family as the first anniversary of her tragic death passes.