The family of Harshita Brella has traveled from India to the UK to demand justice after her murder [1].
Their arrival highlights ongoing grievances regarding how police handled domestic-abuse reports made by Brella before her death. The family's quest for accountability centers on whether police failures contributed to the tragedy.
Brella, 24, was found dead Nov. 14, 2024 [2]. Her body was discovered in the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa on Brisbane Road in Ilford, east London [3]. Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, is the suspect in the case [4].
To seek answers, Brella's family traveled 4,000 miles from India to Corby, Northamptonshire [5]. During their visit, they met with the Corby MP and representatives from the Northamptonshire Police [6].
Despite their presence in the country, the family was excluded from a police misconduct hearing held May 21, 2026 [7]. The hearing examined how officers assigned to Brella handled her previous allegations of domestic abuse [8]. This meeting occurred more than 18 months after the murder [9].
Sonia Dabas, the sister of the victim, described her sibling's character during the campaign for justice. "Harshita was a pure soul, very family-oriented… just a very innocent person," Dabas said [10].
The family has continued to engage with officials in Westminster and local representatives to ensure the case remains a priority for investigators, and the legal system [6].
“"Harshita was a pure soul, very family-oriented… just a very innocent person."”
This case underscores the critical intersection of domestic violence reporting and police accountability. By holding a misconduct hearing 18 months after the crime, the UK authorities are acknowledging potential systemic failures in protecting a vulnerable resident. The exclusion of the victim's family from these proceedings, however, may exacerbate tensions between the community and law enforcement regarding transparency in the justice process.
