Family of Harshita Brella launch heartbreaking tribute after she was ‘strangled to loss of life earlier than physique dumped in automobile boot’ in Ilford
The family of Harshita Brella, whose body was found in the boot of a car in east London, have paid tribute to the 24-year-old, saying: ‘You left this world but you are still with us in our hearts and will always be there.’
Mrs Brella was discovered strangled to death inside a silver Vauxhall on Brisbane Road on November 14.
Police say they believe she was murdered by her husband Pankaj Lamba, 23, who is thought to have fled the country.
Yesterday, a fresh image showed the pair walking together at Corby Boating Lake in Northamptonshire at around 6.30pm on November 10.
Investigators working on the case suspect Ms Brella was murdered in Corby that evening with her body then transported to east London by car.
Sniffer dogs and forensic officers are currently searching the area around Corby Boating Lake in connection with the murder of the 24-year-old.
Police have also appealed to anyone who was in the Cottingham Road of Corby between 6pm and 9pm on Sunday, November 10 to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell from the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit said: ‘Our inquiries have established that Pankaj and Harshita were in the area of the boating lake on Sunday evening, and as part of our ongoing investigation we have carried out searches in the surrounding area.
Harshita Brella, 24, was found inside the boot of a vehicle on Brisbane Road in Ilford, east London, in the early hours of last Thursday
Her heartbroken family said: ‘We will never forget you till our last breath. Always stay with us. We miss you in every very moment of our life.’
CCTV image showing Pankaj Lamba and Harshita Brella at Corby Boating Lake on Sunday, November 10, at about 6.30pm
Specialist police dogs and their handlers search areas around Corby Boating Lake in connection with the murder of Harshita Brella
‘We know that it’s a busy part of the town and there will have been a lot of passing traffic.
‘As such, we’re appealing to anyone who was in Corby between 6pm and 9pm on Sunday, November 10, specifically in the area around the Corby Boating Lake, Cottingham Road and Westcott Way.’
It comes after police earlier this week released footage of Lamba in the Ilford area and appealed for information from anyone who may have interacted with him.
The images show Lamba walking down Jaffe Road shortly after allegedly dumping his wife’s body in the boot of the car.
Further photos show the car on Brisbane Road, where it was later found with Ms Brella’s body inside.
It previously emerged that Ms Brella had tried to run away from her husband, and that she first went to police claiming to have been the victim of domestic violence in August.
Her sister Sonia Dabas said she feels like the police ‘did not do enough to help her or protect’ her.
She went on to describe her younger sibling as ‘very innocent, so kindhearted but just a kid’.
Ms Dabas added: ‘Our world has been turned upside down. We’re calling on the UK and Indian governments to capture him.’
Pankaj Lamba, 23, walks down Jaffe Road in Ilford after allegedly dumping his wife’s Harshita Brella’s body in the boot of a car
More CCTV stills showing Lamba in Ilford after he allegedly left his wife’s body in the car
Lamba’s Silver Vauxhall Corsa on Brisbane Road. Ms Brella’s body was later found in the vehicle
She said it was an arranged marriage and Ms Brella had met him for the first time three days before moving to the UK with him.
Videos on social media of Ms Brella’s wedding in India show her panting for breath, placing a hand on her chest, with the caption: ‘That nervousness after becoming bride.’
She had spent £300 on make-up and an elaborate wedding lehenga skirt.
Northamptonshire Police has since launched a review into how Ms Brella’s report of domestic violence was handled following her death.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma James said: ‘Following Harshita’s death, Northamptonshire Police reviewed the Force’s handling of an investigation which was launched following a domestic abuse allegation by Harshita Brella on August 29.
‘The investigation was owned by a specialist detective from within the Domestic Abuse Investigation Team.
‘Harshita was identified as being at high risk of domestic abuse and was immediately assigned an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA). A referral was also made to the MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference), sharing information with partners and collectively formulating a safety plan.
‘Harshita was placed in a refuge and visited and contacted by officers on a number of occasions throughout the investigation.
Tragic final videos show ‘very happy’ Ms Brella, 24, on her wedding day just months before her body was found in a car boot in Ilford
Forensic officers at Ms Brella’s home in Corby, Northamptonshire
Officers at murder victim Ms Brella’s home in Corby on Sunday morning
‘The alleged perpetrator was identified, quickly arrested and bailed with conditions.
‘Northamptonshire Police actively sought and obtained a Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) and a Domestic Violence Protection Order was authorised at Northampton Magistrates Court on September 5 which remained in place for 28 days whilst the investigations continued against the alleged perpetrator.
‘This case has been referred for a Domestic Homicide Review which will seek to identify any learning.’
