INDIAN authorities are under intense scrutiny after the Delhi high court criticised police efforts to locate Pankaj Lamba, the prime suspect in the murder of his wife Harshita Brella. The ongoing international manhunt has revealed a series of investigative failures, with the court describing the Delhi Police's approach as "utterly incompetent".
Brella was found dead in the boot of a car in Ilford, East London, in November 2024. Her husband was charged in absentia with murder, two counts of rape, sexual assault, and controlling behaviour shortly after her death.
During a recent court hearing, Justice Sachin Datta condemned the Delhi Police's investigation, saying they were "showing utter incompetence". The judge directly challenged the law enforcement agencies, asking, "Why are the law enforcement agencies so helpless?"
Sonia Dabas, Harshita's sister, expressed her frustration with the investigation's progress. "I have no option but to be hopeful. There is no power in my hands. I can't interfere with the judicial system," she told the court.
The case took a significant turn when Channel 4 News revealed evidence of a phone call Lamba made to a friend after arriving in India. During the call, he reportedly disclosed the exact location of the car where Harshita's body was found.
Delhi Police lawyer Sanjeev Bhandari attempted to reassure the court, saying they were "investigating and working at the highest level to catch Lamba". He requested an additional two to three weeks to file an update in the case.
The investigation has identified Pankaj Lamba as the prime suspect. (Photo: Northamptonshire Police)
Dabas has been vocal about her concerns, suggesting the case should be transferred to India's Central Bureau of Investigation. "I have observed the Delhi Police for 4-5 months… They are just killing time," she alleged.
The investigation has taken a dramatic turn with the arrest of Lamba's parents in a separate dowry death case filed by the Brella family. Shortly after a television interview, Lamba's sister Uma also went missing, raising further questions about the family's involvement.
Officials confirmed they are tracking two phones believed to be used by Lamba and have alerted airports to arrest him if he attempts to travel.
The court has ordered an updated report detailing steps towards Lamba's arrest, with the lead investigator required to provide a statement about the likelihood of locating the suspect within three weeks.
"I don't think any of us have a personal life anymore," Dabas added. "We all just hope that he is caught as soon as possible and every day that hope gets broken."
Meanwhile, four British police officers are now facing misconduct proceedings over how they handled the victim's previous allegations of abuse in August 2024.
The Delhi high court has set the next hearing for 8 May.
Sarah Pochin (Photo: UK Parliament)