Harshita Brela Murder Mystery:
British authorities are on the hunt for a suspect who vanished after committing a murder in the UK. It's speculated that the accused might have fled to India after the crime. Shockingly, he is accused of killing none other than his own wife. The UK police revealed that he concealed her body in the trunk of his car. 'Aaj Tak' team reached out to the victim's family in Delhi to understand the full story.
March 22, 2023 - New Delhi
This significant date marked the grand wedding of Harshita Brela and Pankaj Lamba, an arranged marriage that brought joy to both families. Hailing from Delhi, Harshita worked at a warehouse in Northamptonshire, UK, while Pankaj was a student there.
Body Found in Car
Nearly a month post-wedding, the couple settled into a Northamptonshire apartment. However, about six months later, the lifeless body of Harshita was shockingly found in a car's trunk.
Husband Flees the UK
As Harshita's body was discovered, Pankaj simultaneously disappeared. Authorities examined numerous CCTV cameras and found images of Pankaj. Police suspicion escalated as evidence emerged of him leaving not just the city but the country too, possibly heading to India.
Source: aajtak
Why Was Harshita Killed?
The burning question is, why was Harshita murdered? Is Pankaj truly responsible? And if he is, what drove him to this act? 'Aaj Tak' team delved into the lives of Delhi's Harshita's family to decode the mystery. But before that, how did the news of Harshita's death reach everyone?
Pankaj Lamba, about 28 and of Indian origin, lived with his 24-year-old wife Harshita Brela in a rental at Corby, about 100 miles from East London. Now, 60 detectives are involved in the hunt for him. Authorities suspect he has already fled to India, prompting London's police to launch an international search.
This international quest includes India as a key focal point, given the suspicion of Pankaj's escape. Thus, the police urge you to pay attention and, if you possess any information about him, contact WWW.MIPP.POLICE.UK or call 08800555111. All tips will remain confidential.
Harshita and Pankaj Resided in HMO
Why was Pankaj Lamba being sought worldwide? He stands accused of his wife Harshita Brela's murder. Residing in a rented property in Corby's Skegness Walk, part of an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), they shared the space, which once housed 12 tenants. Recently, the numbers had dwindled.
Source: aajtak
Harshita Mysteriously Vanished on November 13
On November 12, a dispute was heard between two people in their residence, speaking in a foreign language, likely Punjabi. Abruptly, Harshita vanished the next day. Friends found her phone off, leading to concern and a police report on her disappearance. Northamptonshire police then visited her home but found no trace.
Pankaj's Car Found Abandoned on November 14
With neither Harshita nor Pankaj traceable, police probed call details and vehicle registration, uncovering no leads. After 24 hours, an abandoned car's discovery 95 miles from Corby presented a new lead, parked unusually in a residential East London area.
Harshita's Body in Trunk
Arriving at the scene, police opened the car's boot to uncover Harshita's body inside. News of this shocking find quickly spread, leaving the community stunned. The body was sent for post-mortem and forensic analysis, confirming by November 15 it was indeed Harshita Brela.
Interrogations Yield No Clues
The case escalated from a missing person to murder. The question was, why drive 95 miles to abandon the body? Inquiries into Harshita's background pointed to Pankaj Lamba, yet both remained elusive, prompting detailed questioning of acquaintances, all in vain.
Source: aajtak
Pankaj's Disappearance Baffles Police
Police analyzed call records, vehicle registration, and CCTV footage extensively. Yet, Pankaj's disappearance right after Harshita's murder was perplexing. Footage from several cameras captured him around the time, including near the site where Harshita's body was found, further complicating the mystery.
Pankaj Spotted in CCTV Footage
Several CCTV tapes revealed glimpses of Pankaj after Harshita’s murder, including footage from the area where her body was found. Police captured images of him appearing to leave the car and attempt an escape. The notorious vehicle was confirmed as theirs.
Major Crime Unit Takes Over
Eventually, the case was handed to the East Midlands Special Operation Unit having gathered substantial electronic evidence. Sixty detectives meticulously pieced together details, culminating in a November 17 press conference by Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell, asserting that Harshita's killer was indeed her husband, Pankaj Lamba.
International Search Underway
Detectives claimed Pankaj fled post-murder, sparking an international manhunt. They appealed to the public for even minor leads on Harshita or Pankaj, releasing his picture as part of this appeal.
Police Appeal to Public
Northamptonshire police requested any clues about Pankaj Lamba, sharing contact details. 'Aaj Tak' also calls on its audience to report any information to the police or themselves, urging justice for Harshita Brela, senselessly taken too soon.
