A neighbour of Harshita Brella heard a heated argument in which a woman “sounded scared” just days before the 24-year-old’s body was found in the boot of a car in London, neighbour has claimed.
Northamptonshire Police have launched an international manhunt for Ms Brella’s husband, Pankaj Lamba.
And Kelly Philp, 41, who lived near Ms Brella in Corby, Northamptonshire, said she had heard an altercation between a man and a woman last Wednesday.
She explained: “They were arguing in a different language, so I couldn’t understand what was being said.
“But it sounded angry, with raised voices, and the woman sounded scared. I also heard banging around. At the time, I didn’t call the police because I thought it was just a relationship argument.”
Ms Philp told the Mirror she had felt “vulnerable” and “on edge” since learning of her neighbour’s death.
“I feel so sad about the loss of the lass. I can’t get over it. I can’t believe it.”
Ms Philp also mentioned overhearing two men arguing in a foreign language early on Saturday morning, shortly after hearing a back gate slam shut.
The force’s Chief Inspector Paul Cash stated: “Inquiries lead us to suspect that Harshita was murdered in Northamptonshire earlier this month by her husband, Pankaj Lamba.
“We believe he then transported her body from Northamptonshire to Ilford by car and has now fled the country.”
Ms Brella’s body was discovered inside the boot of a car on Brisbane Road, Ilford, east London, near Valentines Park, in the early hours of Thursday morning. Police had been alerted by a member of the public concerned for her welfare on Wednesday.
Officers attended her home on Skegness Walk, Corby, but received no response. A missing person investigation was initiated, which led to the discovery of her body.
Reports indicate that Ms Brella had previously been a victim of domestic violence. In early September, she was granted a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) by Northampton Magistrates’ Court, which barred the perpetrator from contacting her or visiting her workplace.
Northamptonshire Police have referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to their previous interactions with Ms Brella.
More than 60 detectives are involved in the investigation, with teams from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit and the Metropolitan Police working tirelessly to piece together the events leading to her death.
Chief Inspector Cash has appealed for public assistance, stating: “If you saw anything suspicious or have any information, no matter how small, please contact us.”
Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell echoed this sentiment, noting that while investigators believe Ms Brella was attacked by someone she knew, they are exploring all possibilities.
Additional police patrols have been deployed in Corby to reassure residents, although authorities do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.
Those with information are urged to contact police on 101 quoting Operation Westcott, or to share information anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555111.
