Family of woman found dead in car in east London seek justice as suspect remains at large

16 May 2026 • 12:59 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Family of woman found dead in car in east London seek justice as suspect remains at large

  • Harshita Brella, 24, was discovered deceased in a silver Vauxhall Corsa in Brisbane Road, Ilford, east London, on 14 November 2024.
  • Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 24, is the prime suspect in her murder and is believed to have fled to India.
  • A murder charge, alongside two counts of rape, sexual assault, and controlling or coercive behaviour, has been authorised against Lamba.
  • Northamptonshire Police believe Ms Brella was strangled in Corby on the evening of 10 November before her body was transported to Ilford.
  • Ms Brella's family, including her sister Sonia Dabas, have travelled from India to the UK to campaign for justice, vowing to ensure her killer is brought to account.

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