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Funeral for murdered Harshita Brella held in India

Northamptonshire Police/PA Media A smiling woman with tied back black hair wearing gold earrings and a diamond looking necklace and white dress Northamptonshire Police/PA Media
Northamptonshire Police confirmed Harshita Brella's body would be returned to her family in India

The funeral of Harshita Brella, whose body was discovered in a car boot in east London, has taken place in India.

Police believe the 24-year-old was fatally strangled in Corby, Northamptonshire, on 10 November and named her husband Pankaj Lamba, 23, as the prime suspect in its murder investigation.

Dozens of people assembled outside Ms Brella's family home in Delhi as her casket was laid to rest eight months after she left for a new life in the United Kingdom.

Ms Brella's uncle, Narender Singh, said: "We want justice. We want the murderer to receive the maximum punishment possible."

Mr Singh, 44, added that the family were frustrated at the pace of the investigation and a perceived lack of information.

Ms Brella's older sister, Sonia Dabas, said: "I’ve always protected her but I just can’t understand how she’s no longer here.

"I should have been in her place.

"I will fight [for justice for Harshita]. I have all the strength to fight. I don’t have any excuse not [to] pursue this fight."

A man in a grey V-neck shirt and an unzipped blue coat stares directly at the camera while sitting in a residential area. A white car is seen over his left shoulder.
Ms Brella's uncle Narender Singh said the family were frustrated by the pace of the police investigation

Ms Brella's family said she and Mr Lamba had entered into an arranged marriage, with a legal wedding held in August 2023.

The couple had their traditional Indian ceremony on 22 March this year, before they left for the UK around 30 April, settling in Corby.

Officers from Northamptonshire Police visited Ms Brella's home on Skegness Walk, Corby, on 13 November, following concerns for her welfare.

When she could not be located, a missing person investigation was launched.

Ms Brella's body was discovered in the boot of a car on Brisbane Road, Ilford.

A woman glancing away from the camera with a sad expression. She is wearing clothing with a yellow tone.
Ms Brella's older sister Sonia Dabas said she would fight for justice for Harshita

Police have since released images of Mr Lamba in the Ilford area and the couple walking near Corby's boating lake.

Ms Brella had previously been the victim of domestic violence and was made the subject of a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in September.

Northamptonshire Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because of its previous contact with her.

Police suspect Mr Lamba has fled the country, prompting an international manhunt that is still ongoing.

Additional reporting by Adnan Bhat  and Aakriti Thapar.

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