The UK police investigating the murder of 24-year-old Harshita Brella, whose body was recovered from a car boot in east London, have launched a manhunt for her Indian-origin husband who they suspect fled the country after killing his wife earlier this month.

Unraveling a Tragic Domestic Homicide

Victim's Disappearance Sparks Frantic Search

The Northamptonshire Police received a call on Wednesday regarding concerns for Brella's welfare and officers were deployed to her home address at Skegness Walk in Corby, Northamptonshire. After getting no answer, the police launched a missing person investigation and fast-track enquiries were made that led to the discovery of the victim's body inside the boot of a vehicle on Brisbane Road in the Ilford area of east London in the early hours of Thursday.

Suspect Believed to Have Fled the Country

In an updated statement, Chief Inspector Paul Cash said more than 60 detectives were working on the case as the force released an image of Pankaj Lamba, the accused husband, in an appeal for information. "Our inquiries lead us to suspect that Harshita was murdered in Northamptonshire earlier this month by her husband Pankaj Lamba," Cash said. "We suspect Lamba transported Harshita's body from Northamptonshire to Ilford by car. We believe he has now fled the country."

Investigators Seek Public Assistance

Investigators believe Brella was killed in a "targeted incident" as they appealed to anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward. "Although we believe Harshita was attacked by someone known to her, we are keeping an open mind, and would appeal to anyone who knew her to contact us with any relevant information they may have. If you saw anything suspicious in the past week or have any information, no matter how small, please contact us," said Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell, senior investigating officer from the East Midlands Special Operations Major Crime Unit (EMSOU).

Reassurance Patrols and Referral to IOPC

The police said officers were satisfied there was no wider risk to the public as a result of this incident. However, extra patrols will be taking place in Corby in the coming days for reassurance purposes. As is mandatory, the Northamptonshire Police has also made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous contact between the police force and the victim.

Tragic Loss of a Young Life

"First of all, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to everyone who loved Harshita Brella," said Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell. "She was a young woman in her early 20s with her whole life ahead of her and it is absolutely tragic that her life has been cut short in this way."