Police charge Pankaj Lamba with murder, rape, and coercive control after Harshita Brella’s body was discovered in a car boot in Ilford. Lamba is believed to have fled the UK

Tragic Discovery Shocks Ilford

Detectives have charged a man with murder after his wife’s lifeless body was found in the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa in east London. The accused, 23-year-old Pankaj Lamba, is believed to have fled the UK, prompting an international manhunt as police scramble to track him down.

Harshita Brella, 24, had moved to the UK in April last year, just months after marrying Lamba in August 2023. But her new life turned into a nightmare when police discovered her remains on Brisbane Road, Ilford, on 14 November 2024. The brutal discovery has left the local community shaken and desperate for answers.

Husband Faces Chilling Charges

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that Lamba, formerly of Sturton Walk, Corby, has been charged with:

• Murder
• Two counts of rape
• Sexual assault
• Controlling or coercive behaviour

The charges were presented at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in Lamba’s absence. Police admitted they have yet to locate him but remain confident in their efforts to bring him to justice.

Police Close In on Fugitive

Authorities remain tight-lipped about certain details but insist they are working tirelessly to find Lamba. “We are committed to securing justice for Harshita and her grieving family,” said DCI Johnny Campbell, the lead investigator. “This remains an active investigation, and while we cannot disclose all details, we urge the public to respect the judicial process.”

Dark Signs of a Troubled Marriage

Friends and family recall how Harshita left Delhi full of hope, expecting a bright future in the UK. However, cracks in her marriage reportedly emerged early on, with growing concerns about Lamba’s controlling and coercive behaviour. Experts warn that coercive control often escalates into physical violence, with deadly consequences.

Pressure Mounts for Justice

The case has sparked national outrage, especially among women’s rights advocates who are calling for stronger protections for victims of domestic abuse. “We cannot allow another woman to suffer this fate,” said Rachel Carter, a domestic violence campaigner.

Law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts with international authorities to locate Lamba. It remains unclear how he managed to flee the country, but police are exploring all leads.

As Harshita’s family mourns in silence, the streets of Ilford remain gripped by tension and unease. The neighbourhood where her body was found no longer hums with city life — instead, it whispers of a life tragically cut short.