Two years since Harshita Brella of Corby asked Northamptonshire Police for help – family renew call for justice and launch new campaign
“Harshita asked for help. Two years later, her family are still asking for justice.”
This week marks two years since Harshita Brella reported domestic abuse to Northamptonshire Police, in an attempt to seek help and protection.
Harshita was just 24 years old when she came to the UK from India to begin a new life. On 29 August 2024, she contacted Northamptonshire Police and reported that she had suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, Pankaj Lamba.
Lamba was subsequently arrested on 3 September 2024, released on police bail with conditions not to contact Harshita, and issued with a Domestic Violence Protection Order.
Just over two months later, Harshita was dead.
Her body was discovered in the boot of a car in Ilford on 14 November 2024. Northamptonshire Police believe she was murdered in Corby on 10 November and that Lamba subsequently transported her body to London before fleeing the country.
In March 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised a charge of murder against Pankaj Lamba, along with charges of two counts of rape, sexual assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. The charges remain allegations and have not been tested in court.
Lamba is believed to have fled to India and remains wanted in connection with the investigation.
Police handling now subject to misconduct proceedings
The anniversary comes as serious questions remain about the way Harshita's original request for help was handled.
Following an investigation, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concluded in November 2025 that four Northamptonshire Police officers should face misconduct proceedings over their handling of the domestic abuse investigation.
Two detective constables were found to have a case to answer for gross misconduct, with the IOPC identifying concerns including whether the case was appropriately reviewed, whether investigative actions were set, whether supervisory advice was sought and whether Harshita was kept sufficiently informed.
A sergeant and chief inspector also have cases to answer concerning supervision and the associated risk assessment.
The IOPC stressed that it will be for a police disciplinary panel to determine whether the allegations are proven.
For Harshita's family, however, the issue is much more than an internal disciplinary process.
They want to know whether more could have been done to protect Harshita when she asked the police for help.
Family fundraising to return to the UK
Harshita's sister, Sonia Dabas, and her family are now launching a renewed campaign to keep Harshita's case in the public eye and to press for greater cooperation between authorities in the UK and India.
The family is fundraising to enable them to return to the UK, with the aim of meeting with Northamptonshire Police, politicians and other relevant authorities and pressing for increased cooperation between Indian law enforcement authorities and Northamptonshire Police.
The family believes that stronger cooperation is essential to help locate Pankaj Lamba and ensure that he is brought back to face the criminal charges against him.
The campaign is not simply about seeking answers from the past. It is about ensuring that Harshita's family can continue to pursue justice for her and that the person charged with her murder is brought before a court.
New Justice4Harshita social media campaign
Sonia has also established new social media accounts to give the family a direct voice in the campaign and to keep supporters informed about developments.
The family is asking supporters to follow and share the new Justice4Harshita accounts, help raise awareness of Harshita's story and support the fundraising campaign.
“We cannot let Harshita be forgotten”
Harshita's family have spent nearly two years living with the devastating consequences of her death while also trying to secure justice.
They believe that Harshita's story must continue to be heard – particularly because she had already sought help from the police before she was killed.
A spokesperson supporting the family said:
“Two years ago, Harshita did what we would hope anyone experiencing domestic abuse would do. She asked the police for help.
“She trusted that by coming forward she would receive protection and support. Two years later, her family are still asking questions about what happened and still fighting for justice.
“Harshita's family should not have to carry this burden alone. They want to see much stronger cooperation between the authorities in India and Northamptonshire so that Pankaj Lamba can be located and brought before the courts to face the charges against him.
“The family want to return to the UK because they believe their presence can help keep pressure on the authorities and ensure that Harshita's case does not disappear from public attention.
“Harshita was a daughter, a sister and a young woman who came to Britain hoping to build a future. She should still be here today.
“We are asking people across Northamptonshire and beyond to stand with her family, follow the Justice4Harshita campaign, share her story and help them raise the funds they need to return to the UK.”
How you can support the family
The family is seeking donations to help fund flights, accommodation and other costs associated with returning to the UK to pursue justice for Harshita.
Supporters can also help by:
Following and sharing the Justice4Harshita Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Sharing Harshita's story with friends, community groups and organisations.
Supporting the family's fundraising campaign.
Calling for continued cooperation between Northamptonshire Police and the relevant authorities in India to locate Pankaj Lamba.
Keeping Harshita's name and story in the public eye.
Justice for Harshita means remembering that she asked for help – and making sure her family's fight for justice does not end here.