Four police officers from Northamptonshire are set to face misconduct hearings following their handling of domestic abuse allegations made by Harshita Brella, who was found dead in November 2024. Brella, a 24-year-old from Corby, was discovered in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on 14 November 2024. Authorities suspect she was strangled in Corby on 10 November 2024. A manhunt for her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 23, is ongoing, as he has been charged with her murder and is believed to have fled the UK for India.
Following the tragic incident, the Northamptonshire Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on 20 November. This referral was mandatory due to the officers’ previous interactions with Brella. On Monday, the IOPC determined that four officers should face misconduct proceedings concerning their management of Brella’s abuse claims.
In a statement, the IOPC indicated that the officers may potentially have breached police standards of professional behaviour. Specifically, two detective constables will answer for gross misconduct related to their investigation into Brella’s allegations of domestic abuse. Additionally, a sergeant and a chief inspector face misconduct charges over their oversight and review of the case.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma James confirmed that proceedings regarding the four officers are currently underway. She emphasized that the force will thoroughly review the IOPC report to address the issues raised and implement any recommendations to enhance service quality.
The IOPC’s investigation revealed that Brella had contacted Northamptonshire Police on 29 August 2024, reporting domestic abuse by Lamba. He was arrested on 3 September but released on police bail with conditions not to contact Brella, along with a domestic violence protection order.
Derrick Campbell, the director of engagement at the IOPC, explained that the investigation scrutinized the police’s response to Brella’s allegations. This included evaluating their investigation strategy, actions taken, communication with the victim, and safeguarding considerations. After a thorough review of the evidence, the IOPC concluded that disciplinary proceedings were warranted for the four officers involved.
The IOPC also identified potential areas for improvement within Northamptonshire Police’s domestic abuse investigation unit, which is currently undergoing review. The outcome of these misconduct hearings could have significant implications for police practices and protocols regarding domestic abuse cases moving forward.
