Four Northamptonshire police officers are facing misconduct hearings over their handling of abuse claims by Harshita Brella, who was found dead last year.
Brella, a 24-year-old from Corby, was found dead in a car boot in Ilford, east London, on 14 November 2024. It is suspected she was strangled in Corby, Northamptonshire on 10 November.
A manhunt is continuing, to locate Brella’s then husband, 23-year-old Pankaj Lamba, who has been charged with her murder. Lamba is believed to have left the UK for India.
Northamptonshire police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on 20 November – a mandatory step because of officers’ previous contact with Brella.
The IOPC concluded on Monday that four officers should face misconduct proceedings over their handling of Brella’s claims of domestic abuse. “It is our view the officers may potentially have breached police standards of professional behaviour,” the police watchdog said in a statement.
The IOPC concluded that two detective constables had a case to answer for gross misconduct over their investigation into Brella’s claims. A sergeant and chief inspector also have a misconduct case to answer over their supervision and review of the investigation.
Northamptonshire police have said those proceedings are under way in relation to four of its officers.
Assistant chief constable Emma James said the force would also review the IOPC’s report “thoroughly to understand the issues raised and will seek to implement any recommendations that improve the quality of service we provide”.
The police watchdog said Brella contacted Northamptonshire police on 29 August 2024 alleging domestic abuse by Lamba. He was arrested on 3 September and released on police bail, with conditions not to contact his wife, and issued with a domestic violence protection order.
Derrick Campbell, the director of engagement at the IOPC, said its investigation examined the police’s response to Brella’s allegations that she suffered domestic abuse.
“It has scrutinised their investigation strategy, actions taken, communication with the victim, and any safeguarding considerations. After a thorough review of the evidence, we have determined four officers should face disciplinary proceedings,” Campbell said.
The IOPC said its investigation also found potential learnings for Northamptonshire police’s domestic abuse investigation unit, which is being reviewed.
