A recently married Indian woman in the UK was tragically killed by her spouse despite being advised by the police not to leave the country, as reported by her family.

Harshita Brella, aged 24, was strangled at her residence only eight months into her marriage to Pankaj Lamba. She had reached out to the authorities for assistance, citing abuse by her husband.

Allegations of mishandling domestic abuse claims have led to four officers facing disciplinary actions.

Harshita’s sister, Sonia Dabas, expressed to the Daily Mail: “She was very scared at that time, and we wanted her to return to India where she would be safe. However, she mentioned that a police officer informed her that neither she nor Pankaj could leave the country due to her ongoing case.”

“This is a heartbreaking situation for us. If she had come back as we wished, she would still be alive today.”

“Instead, he was able to escape unquestioned after her tragic death. He managed to reach India without any hindrance.” The mother of two added: “She was a very innocent and naive girl in a foreign land. She trusted the advice given to her.”

Harshita had contacted Northamptonshire Police in August 2024 following an alleged attack by Lamba, 23, at their Corby residence. Tragically, she was discovered deceased on November 10th that year, four days after her demise.

Lamba reportedly flew back to India from Heathrow Airport just days before Harshita was found in the trunk of a Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, East London, where he was captured on CCTV.

Local media reports indicate that Lamba was filmed at a bank in Gurugram, south of Delhi, where he withdrew approximately £3,760 from an ATM while wearing a face mask.

A manhunt is currently ongoing for the part-time security guard, who faces charges of murder.

Northants Police is scheduled to meet with the victim’s family, who traveled from India, next week.

Lamba has been charged in absentia with murder, rape, sexual assault, and coercive behavior.

Harshita’s father, Satbir Singh Brella, mentioned that his daughter, who arrived in the UK in April 2024 after her marriage in India, seemed ‘broken’ after being placed in a women’s refuge by the police.

“If the police had not given her that information, we would have immediately arranged for her return to India. There were no other obstacles preventing us.”

Northamptonshire Police has self-referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to their prior involvement with Harshita.

A police spokesperson stated: ‘Northamptonshire Police is cooperating with the IOPC regarding this matter.

“The IOPC had previously conducted an independent investigation into the interactions between the police and Harshita Brella and her husband Pankaj Lamba before Harshita’s passing in November 2024.’