The body of Harshita Brella was discovered in the boot of a car in east London earlier this week, prompting an international manhunt for her husband, Pankaj Lamba, who is suspected of her murder.

Detectives are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Brella's death and are actively searching for Lamba, who is believed to have fled the country following the incident.

Following a post mortem in Leicester, Northamptonshire Police confirmed that the 24-year-old, who lived in Corby, had been murdered, although they have not disclosed the specific country where Lamba may have fled.

Approximately 60 detectives are involved in the investigation, pursuing numerous lines of inquiry into the young woman's death.

Husband Allegedly Transported Body

During a press conference on Sunday, police announced that they are searching for Harshita's husband, Pankaj Lamba, who is believed to have murdered her earlier this month. It is alleged that he transported her body nearly 100 miles from Corby to Ilford before escaping the country.

"Our inquiries lead us to suspect that Harshita was murdered in Northamptonshire earlier this month by her husband, Pankaj Lamba," stated a Northamptonshire Police Chief Inspector. "We suspect Lamba transported Harshita's body by car and has now fled the country."

History of Domestic Violence

Harshita's body was discovered in a car on Brisbane Road near a park, the day after police were alerted regarding concerns for her welfare. She had a history of domestic violence and was placed under a Domestic Violence Protection Order at Northampton Magistrates' Court in early September.

The order, which lasted for 28 days, prohibited the perpetrator from contacting Harshita at her workplace, among other restrictions. Northamptonshire Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previous interactions with Harshita, but assured the public that there is currently no ongoing risk.

Investigation of a Targeted Incident

In the aftermath of her murder, forensic officers examined Harshita's residence located 96 miles from where her body was found. Authorities previously indicated that she may have been the victim of a "targeted incident."

"While we are satisfied there is no wider risk to the public, we understand how shocking and distressing such an incident can be for the local community," police stated. Local officers will increase patrols in Corby in the coming days to reassure residents.

Allegations of an Argument

A neighbour reported hearing a violent argument between a man and a woman in Harshita Brella's home on the day police were contacted about her welfare. Kelly Philp, 41, who lives nearby, described the woman as sounding frightened during the confrontation.

Philp noted she heard commotion, including banging, and while the argument was in a different language, the raised voices indicated hostility: "I just thought it was a relationship argument," she said, explaining why she did not immediately contact the police. Harshita had lived at the residence for about a year, which had previously been home to multiple residents.

Historically, the house had seen up to 12 residents, but the number has decreased recently, resulting in a generally peaceful environment as reported by the Northampton Chronicle.