Detectives issue appeal for dashcam footage in Corby area as part of murder investigation

Detectives investigating the death of Harshita Brella are appealing to people in Corby for information and camera footage that may assist their inquiries.

Northamptonshire Police launched a murder investigation into Harshita’s death after her body was found inside the boot of a vehicle in Ilford, east London, in the early hours of Thursday, November 14.

Detectives working on the case suspect that Harshita was murdered in Corby on the evening of Sunday, November 10. A prime suspect regarding her murder is her husband, 23-year-old Pankaj Lamba of Sturton Walk, Corby.

Harshita Brella’s body had been transported from Corby to east London by car, which was left parked in Brisbane Road, Ilford. Police are now searching for Pankaj Lamba who they wish to talk to in connection with her death.

The investigation team has been piecing together hours of CCTV footage in the Corby and Ilford areas to track the movements of Harshita and her husband Pankaj. Earlier this week, officers released images of Pankaj Lamba in the Ilford area and appealed for information from anyone who may have interacted with him.

They are now keen to hear from people who were in the Cottingham Road area of Corby on the evening of Sunday, November 10, and who may have dashcam footage or other information that could assist the investigation.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell from the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU), said:

“Our inquiries have established that Pankaj and Harshita were in the area of the boating lake on Sunday evening, and as part of our ongoing investigation we have carried out searches in the surrounding area.

“We know that it’s a busy part of the town and there will have been a lot of passing traffic. As such, we’re appealing to anyone who was in Corby between 6pm and 9pm on Sunday, November 10, specifically in the area around the Corby Boating Lake, Cottingham Road and Westcott Way.

“If you have any dashcam footage, or other information that may be relevant to the investigation, however small, please contact us as soon as possible.

“Any information you have may help us piece together exactly what happened to Harshita and help bring her killer to justice.”

In August, Northamptonshire Police received a report of domestic abuse by Harshita. Following her death, a review of the Force’s handling of this investigation was carried out.

Assistant Chief Constable Emma James said: “Following Harshita’s death, Northamptonshire Police reviewed the Force’s handling of an investigation which was launched following a domestic abuse allegation by Harshita Brella on August 29. The investigation was owned by a specialist detective from within the Domestic Abuse Investigation Team.

“Harshita was identified as being at high risk of domestic abuse and was immediately assigned an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA). A referral was also made to the MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference), sharing information with partners and collectively formulating a safety plan. Harshita was placed in a refuge and visited and contacted by officers on a number of occasions throughout the investigation.

“The alleged perpetrator was identified, quickly arrested and bailed with conditions.

“Northamptonshire Police actively sought and obtained a Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) and a Domestic Violence Protection Order was authorised at Northampton Magistrates Court on September 5 which remained in place for 28 days whilst the investigations continued against the alleged perpetrator.

“This case has been referred for a Domestic Homicide Review which will seek to identify any learning.”

Anyone with information can contact the incident room by calling 101, quoting Operation Westcott. Alternatively, information can be submitted via our online public portal at www.mipp.police.uk, where dashcam or other camera footage can also be uploaded.

People can also call Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

Picture 1: CCTV image believed to be Pankaj Lamba and Harshita Brella at Corby Boating Lake on Sunday, November 10, at about 6.30pm

Pictures 2 & 3: Specialist police dogs and their handlers search areas around Corby Boating Lake in connection with the murder of Harshita Brella.