A neighbour has alleged she heard a heated argument between a man and a woman at Harshita Brella’s home on the same day police were alerted about concerns for her welfare.
Kelly Philp, a 41-year-old single mother living next door to Harshita in Corby, said she overheard the altercation, which made the woman sound frightened. “I heard a commotion between a man and a woman, and I heard banging around,” she told the Mirror. “They were arguing in a different language, so I couldn’t understand what was being said, but it sounded angry. The woman sounded scared.”
Ms Philp shared that her bedroom wall is adjacent to a room in Harshita’s home. Despite her concerns, she didn’t call the police, thinking it was a relationship dispute. Later, in the early hours of Saturday, she heard a gate slam loudly and two men arguing in another language.
“When I saw police later, I suspected someone had been hurt,” Ms Philp said. “I feel really on edge now and vulnerable. I’m heartbroken about the loss of that young woman.”
The home, reportedly used as a house of multiple occupation (HMO), had been occupied by about five people. Harshita had lived there for about a year, neighbors said.
Police launched a murder investigation after discovering Harshita Brella’s body in the boot of a car in Ilford, nearly 96 miles from her Corby home. Officers were initially called to her residence in Skegness Walk on Wednesday to check on her welfare. After receiving no response, a missing person inquiry was initiated, leading to the grim discovery early Thursday on Brisbane Road.
A post-mortem conducted at Leicester Royal Infirmary confirmed Harshita was murdered.
A major update on Sunday revealed that police believe that Pankaj Lamba, the husband of Harshita, murdered her earlier this month and he is wanted in connection with the 24-year-old’s death. They believe he has fled the country.
Harshita had previously been a victim of domestic violence. In early September, she was granted a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) against an individual prohibited from contacting, intimidating, or harassing her. The order, which lasted 28 days, was issued by Northampton Magistrates’ Court. Police confirmed no formal charges were brought against the individual, who was released after the court hearing.
Northamptonshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following prior interactions with Harshita.
Neighbors described an increased police presence on Brisbane Road, where her body was found. “Officers swarmed the area and were here for hours,” one resident told the Mail.
Reports indicate the Corby property had previously housed up to 12 residents, creating disturbances that were resolved last year. However, the house had been quieter in recent months.
Residents expressed shock and sadness at the incident. “The way that gate slammed, I knew something had happened,” one neighbor said. “I had heard banging from the house before they just took off.”
Police continue their investigation, appealing for information from anyone who may have details about the case.
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