MP calls for 'reassurances' in murder investigation

An MP has called for "reassurances" that progress is being made on the investigation into the murder of Harshita Brella.

The 24, from Corby, Northamptonshire, was found in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, 100 miles (160km) from her home, in November 2024.

In a letter to the Home Secretary, Lee Barron, Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, said Ms Brella's family is left "waiting for justice" with "little or no information".

Det Supt Johnny Campbell, senior investigating officer, said: "The investigation is very much ongoing and we remain as determined as ever to bring the person responsible for Harshita's death to justice."

A post-mortem examination found the preliminary cause of Ms Brella's death to be strangulation.

Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, fled to India soon after her death and is said to still be on the run.

Harshita's family told the BBC they believed Mr Lamba to be in India, shielded by Indian police, and in the early months of this year, he was running a shop.

Northamptonshire Police said in March 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided Mr Lamba, 24, should be charged with murder in relation to her death.

In his letter, Barron said she was a "much-loved" friend and work colleague and that her death had a "major impact" on the community.

He wrote: "Days after her death, a vigil attracted sympathisers who wanted to remember the young woman who just months before her death had spent time in a refuge after she had been identified as at 'high risk of domestic abuse'."

He said during a session of Prime Minister's Questions, he raised Ms Brella's case and called for more support for victims of domestic abuse.

He also asked what lessons had been learned to protect vulnerable individuals since her death.

A Home Office spokesperson thanked Barron for the letter and said the Home Secretary would "respond in due course".

It said: "Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on victims, and our thoughts are with Harshita Brella's family. We have set out an ambitious mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade."

Barron also wrote to Northamptonshire Police for an update on the investigation.

Det Supt Campbell said the force has supported Harshita's family throughout the year, including travelling to India to meet with family members and return personal belongings.

He said the case was "exceptionally complex" and that Indian authorities had been made aware of the charging decision.

"I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Harshita's family, and we will continue to offer support as the investigation and our work to secure justice for Harshita and her family continues," he said.

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