Parents of Harshita Brella Murder Suspect Arrested in India
The parents of Pankaj Lamba, the main suspect in the murder of his wife Harshita Brella, have been arrested in India. According to the BBC, Darshan Singh and Sunil Devi face charges under India’s “dowry death” law, which applies when a woman dies due to cruelty or harassment related to dowry demands.
Harshita Brella, 24, was found dead in the trunk of a car in London last November. Northamptonshire Police in the UK believe her husband, Pankaj Lamba, killed her before fleeing the country. Lamba, 23, was already known to police for domestic violence and had a protection order against him.
The arrest of Lamba’s parents followed a complaint by Harshita’s family. Her father, Satbir Singh, told the BBC he feels some progress is finally being made in the case.
In India, a “dowry death” occurs when a woman dies from burns or injuries within seven years of marriage, linked to dowry-related harassment. Those found guilty face at least seven years in prison, or even life imprisonment.
Harshita and Pankaj had an arranged marriage, with a legal ceremony in August 2023 and a traditional Indian wedding in March 2024. They moved to the UK in April and settled in Corby before her tragic death.
Northamptonshire Police have submitted their findings to the Crown Prosecution Service and are waiting for a decision on charges. Meanwhile, Pankaj Lamba’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Credit to the BBC for their detailed reporting on this case. The arrests highlight the ongoing struggle against dowry-related violence and the global efforts to seek justice for victims like Harshita Brella.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8d48egdp3ro