Dowry Conflict Turns Deadly: Indian Woman Murdered in the UK

Northamptonshire (The Uttam Hindu): A horrific murder has shaken Northamptonshire, UK, after 23-year-old Harshita Brella was allegedly killed by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, over dowry demands. According to Northamptonshire police, Lamba is the prime suspect in the crime. Harshita's elder sister, Sonia Brella, claimed that Lamba's family had been demanding additional dowry, despite the significant amount already provided during the wedding. Sonia believes the murder was motivated by these continued dowry demands.

Harshita and Pankaj had married on March 22, 2023, and the family had given substantial dowry, including gold and cash. However, Sonia alleges that Lamba remained unsatisfied and kept asking for more. Sonia shared that Harshita had even filed a complaint against Pankaj for domestic abuse on August 29, following an assault by her husband. Lamba's family, Sonia said, visited their home afterward to demand more dowry, and her father had to sell property to meet their demands.

Harshita's body was found on November 14 in East London, and investigations suggest she was murdered on November 10. Authorities are now searching for Pankaj Lamba, who has reportedly fled the UK and may have returned to India. Sonia suspects he is hiding in India, and she has urged Indian authorities to work with UK police to arrest him. Harshita's tragic death follows a history of abuse, and UK police had placed her under the care of domestic violence advisors, but Sonia questions why further protection wasn’t provided. The family is now awaiting Harshita’s body to be returned to India for funeral rites, and Sonia has appealed to the UK authorities for justice.