Four Northamptonshire Police Officers Investigated Over Failures in Harshita Brella Case

The IOPC probes alleged misconduct in police handling of domestic abuse reports prior to Brella's murder, as her husband remains at large.

Harshita Brella, 24, was found dead in a car boot in Ilford, east London, on November 14, 2024, four days after she was allegedly strangled in Corby.
Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 23, faces charges of murder, rape, sexual assault, and coercive behavior but has reportedly fled to India, prompting an international manhunt.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating four Northamptonshire Police officers for alleged failings in handling Brella's domestic abuse report in August 2024.
Two detective constables are under investigation for gross misconduct, including failures to progress inquiries and communicate with Brella, while two senior officers face scrutiny for supervisory lapses and risk assessment issues.
Brella's case highlights systemic concerns about police responses to domestic abuse and the effectiveness of protective measures like conditional bail and domestic violence protection orders.