The cause of death 24-year-old woman whose body was discovered in a car boot in east London has been revealed by a post-mortem examination.
Harshita Brella’s body was found in Ilford during the early hours of Thursday morning, prompting a major police investigation.
The preliminary cause of death was revealed today to be strangulation following forensic tests, as authorities continue their search for the prime suspect.
Police have launched a manhunt for the victim’s husband, Pankaj Lamba, 23, who is believed to have fled the country.
Detectives have named Lamba as the prime suspect in Brella’s murder, which they believe took place in Northamptonshire earlier this month.
Officers today released details of his vehicle – a silver Vauxhall Corsa – as part of their ongoing investigation.
His current whereabouts remain unknown, as authorities continue their efforts to locate him.
Brella had moved to the UK in April following an arranged marriage with Lamba.
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CCTV photo issued by Northamptonshire Police of a Silver Vauxhall Corsa on Brisbane Road, Ilford, which police believe was driven by Pankaj Lamba
PA
Her family, speaking from Delhi, described through tears how their daughter had been “very excited” about starting her new life in Britain.
Her mother made an emotional plea, saying she wants “justice for my daughter”.
The young woman had settled in Corby, Northamptonshire, after her arrival in the country.
Brella’s body was discovered more than 100 miles from her Corby residence, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Pankaj Lamba has been named him as the prime suspect in the murder of 24-year-old Harshita Brella, of Corby
PA
Last images of Pankaj Lamba
PA
It has emerged that the victim had been under the protection of a court order designed for victims of domestic abuse.
The discovery was made in Ilford, east London, marking a significant distance from her Northamptonshire home where police believe the murder took place.