UK cops launch manhunt for husband of Indian-origin woman found murdered in car

Pankaj Lamba is the main suspect in death of Harshita Brella, whose body was discovered in the boot of a car in east London. It is suspected that he has fled the UK.

In Short

• Body of Harshita Brella, 24, found in car boot in east London
• Husband Pankaj Lamba suspected of murder, dumping body
• Police release Lamba's image, believe he may have fled UK

British police are on the hunt for an Indian-origin man suspected of murdering his wife, whose body was discovered in the boot of a car in east London’s Ilford last week.

Northamptonshire Police named Pankaj Lamba as the prime suspect in the killing of 24-year-old Harshita Brella, a resident of Corby. Authorities suspect Lamba fled the country after killing his wife earlier this month.

"We suspect Lamba transported Harshita’s body from Northamptonshire to Ilford by car. We believe he has now fled the country," said Northamptonshire Police Chief Inspector Paul Cash said at a press briefing on Sunday.

The investigation began on Wednesday after Northamptonshire Police were alerted about concerns for Brella’s welfare. Officers visited her home in Corby, but found no response.

A subsequent missing person investigation led to the grim discovery of her body early on Thursday morning inside the boot of a car on Brisbane Road, Ilford.

A post-mortem examination conducted at Leicester Royal Infirmary on Friday confirmed that Brella had been murdered. Investigators believe the killing was a “targeted incident” and have appealed to the public for information.

"She was a young woman in her early 20s with her whole life ahead of her, and it is absolutely tragic that her life has been cut short in this way," Chief Inspector Cash said.

Reports indicate Brella was the subject of a domestic violence protection order issued in early September. Authorities confirmed the order was in place prior to her murder.

More than 60 detectives are now working on the case as police intensify their efforts to locate Lamba, police said. An image of the suspect has been released to aid the public in identifying him.

"Detectives from EMSOU (East Midlands Special Operations Unit) and Northamptonshire Police are working around the clock to establish the circumstances behind her death, including the exact location and timeframe in which it took place," said Cash.