Corby MP Lee Barron has questioned the Home Secretary and the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police one year on from Harshita’s murder.

Mr Barron has written to the Shabana Mahmood MP and to the chief of police to ensure that Harshita Brella's family is briefed on the investigation after they raised concerns with this newspaper that they have not been kept up to date with police progress.

Harshita lived on Corby’s Lincoln estate and was killed on November 10 last year.

The prime suspect, Pankaj Lamba, has been charged with her murder, rape, coercive control and assault, but remains at large, and is believed to be in India.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met with Corby MP Lee Barron to discuss the case of Harshita Brella, who was murdered in Corby a year ago. Image: NW

placeholder image — Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met with Corby MP Lee Barron to discuss the case of Harshita Brella, who was murdered in Corby a year ago. Image: NW

Now Ms Brella’s sister has told this newspaper that she believes the family has been kept in the dark on the investigation, which appears to moving at a frustratingly-slow pace.

Mr Barron met with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and earlier this month and he has now shared the letters he has sent to her, and Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet, requesting an update.

He said to Ms Mahmood: “While I appreciate this is an ongoing investigation, I have written to the Chief Constable, Ivan Balhatchet, asking for an update. I asked for reassurances that Harshita’s family are being kept up to date with the case and also what progress has been made in the investigation, especially as recent media reports have claimed that the accused has been seen working in a shop in India.

“In the meantime, I understand Harshita’s family are left waiting for justice for their daughter with little or no information.

“In Corby, Harshita was a much-loved friend and work colleague, and her death had a major impact on our community. 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’.

“I was able to raise Harshita’s case at Prime Minister’s Questions. I called on more support for victims of domestic abuse and would like to know one year on what lessons have been learned to protect vulnerable individuals.

“I hope you will be able to raise these concerns on behalf of Harshita’s family and friends and give reassurances to our community.”

Harshita’s sister spoke to the Northants Telegraph about her love for her little sister and how the family has coped during the past year.