Harshita Brella: Woman found in car boot in Ilford died from strangulation – as CCTV of suspect released

A woman whose body was found in the boot of a car last week died from strangulation, according to a post-mortem examination.

A manhunt is under way for Harshita Brella’s husband, Pankaj Lamba, who police believe has fled the country.

Officers said today that her body was discovered in a silver Vauxhall Corsa.

They believe she was killed on the evening of Sunday 10 November and driven in the early hours from the couple’s home in Corby, Northamptonshire, to Ilford in east London.

It’s understood the 24-year-old had been under the protection of a court order for victims of domestic abuse.

Northamptonshire Police said officers began searching for her after receiving a call with concerns for her welfare on 13 November – the day before she was found dead.

A post-mortem examination found Ms Brella’s preliminary cause of death was strangulation, police said.

New CCTV images of Pankaj Lamba, 23, have also been released as the manhunt continues.

Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell, from the East Midlands major crime unit, said: “We suspect Harshita’s body had been placed in the boot of the vehicle by Lamba before leaving Corby.

“Lamba then abandoned the vehicle in Brisbane Road, Ilford, and made his getaway.”

Northamptonshire Police, the East Midlands major crime unit and the National Crime Agency are working together to try to find him.

An inquest into Ms Brella’s death will be opened on 20 November at The Guildhall in Northampton.

Anyone who thinks they might have seen Pankaj Lamba is urged to make contact as soon as possible.

“Any information, no matter how small, may be relevant to the investigation and help us get justice for Harshita,” said DCI Campbell.

People with relevant information can call 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or online at mipp.police.uk