Post-mortem shows death from strangulation
familyA woman whose body was found in the boot of a car died of strangulation, an autopsy has found.
Police launched a murder investigation after the body of Harshita Brella, 24, of Corby, Northamptonshire, was found in Ilford, east London, on Thursday.
The main suspect is her 23-year-old husband Pankaj Lamba, who detectives believe has fled the country.
His current whereabouts are unknown.
Northamptonshire PoliceSince the discovery of Ms Brera’s body, Northamptonshire Police has released new CCTV images as part of its investigation.
They include pictures of the silver Vauxhall Corsa they believe Mr Lamba used to drive her body to Ilford on the morning of November 11.
Northamptonshire PoliceDetective Inspector Johnny Campbell, of the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit, said: “We suspect Lamba placed Hashta’s body in the boot of the car before leaving Corby.
“Lamba then abandoned the car on Brisbane Road, Ilford and fled.”
A police spokesman confirmed Ms Brera had previously been a victim of domestic violence and was subject to a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) at Northampton Magistrates’ Court in September.
Northamptonshire Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact with Ms Brera.
Northamptonshire Policeexist BBC interviewMs Brella’s father, Satbir Brella, said: “I want my son-in-law to be brought to justice and I want my daughter’s body to be brought home.”
Supt Campbell added: “If anyone saw anything suspicious or witnessed Pankaj Lamba in Corby, Ilford or elsewhere in the days leading up to the discovery of Harshita’s body, I would They are urged to contact the police as soon as possible.”
“Any information, no matter how small, may be relevant to the investigation and help us bring justice to Harshita.”
The inquest into Ms Brera’s death will begin in Northampton at 09:45 BST on Wednesday.
