UK murder case: Father of Harshita Brella says husband complained over food and her talks with mother | Crime News
A domestic violence protection order, issued by a UK court in early September, was in place for 28 days, but clearly, these measures were inadequate to protect her.
Sister Sonia Dabas recounting a phone call from Brella last August where she revealed Lamba’s abuse and her desire to escape.
New Delhi: The family of Harshita Brella, the 24-year-old woman whose body was found in a car boot in East London, has launched a desperate plea for justice, questioning the UK police’s response to her domestic abuse complaints.
Speaking to BBC from Delhi, Brella’s family recounted a harrowing tale of abuse and despair, raising critical questions about the adequacy of protective measures afforded to the victim.
Brella’s father, Satbir Brella, described her as a dedicated young woman, aspiring to be a teacher in India, according to the BBC report. He detailed that her husband, Pankaj Lamba, reported abuse, including accusations of him hitting her and restricting her activities. “I want my son-in-law to be brought to justice and I want my daughter’s body brought home,” he said.
According to Brella, Lamba had complained to him about Brella failing to make him food “on time” and that she was “talking too much to her mother”.
Sister Sonia Dabas echoed these concerns, recounting a phone call from Brella last August where she revealed Lamba’s abuse and her desire to escape. “She said he was hitting her and she escaped,” recounted Dabas. The family further recounted Brella’s unhappiness in the UK and her pleas to return to India.
“My request to you, the UK government is please, send my sister to me, according to our rituals we have to do something. I want her soul to rest in peace. Please, please give my sister,” she said in an interview with Sky news.
The family’s account paints a picture of mounting distress leading up to Brella’s death. A domestic violence protection order, issued by a UK court in early September, was in place for 28 days, but clearly, these measures were inadequate to protect her. The family also questions the lack of counselling for Brella despite the evident abuse. “Why did the police not give her counselling? Why did they not help her?” demanded Dabas.
Brella’s body was discovered in a car boot in Ilford, East London on November 14th. Lamba is the prime suspect and is believed to have fled the UK. Investigators suspect Brella was murdered in Corby on Sunday and transported to Ilford. The family last spoke with Brella on November 10th, and when she did not respond to calls or messages, they contacted the police on November 13th. A forensic post-mortem examination revealed strangulation as the cause of death.
The family’s anguish is palpable, demanding justice for their daughter and questioning the efficacy of the UK police’s investigation. “I want my daughter back as soon as possible, in whatever condition. I want to see my daughter soon. And she should get justice,” Harsjhita’s mother Sudesh said while speaking to Sky news.
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