Four UK Police Officers Face Disciplinary Action in Harshita Brella Murder Case After Domestic Abuse Reporting Failures

On November 14, 2024, Harshita Brella was discovered murdered in Northamptonshire, London.

Four British police officers have been charged with misconduct on Monday regarding their handling of abuse allegations reported by Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old woman from Delhi who was later found dead in a car boot. Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, remains the primary suspect and is currently evading capture.

The UK's Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) determined that the Northamptonshire Police officers had a case to answer after Brella had contacted the force to report domestic abuse by Lamba at their Corby residence in England's East Midlands region.

Authorities have been searching for Lamba since Brella's body was discovered in London on November 14 last year. He is believed to have escaped to India.

IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell stated, "This is a harrowing case in which a young woman was killed not long after arriving in the UK to start a new life. Our thoughts remain with Ms Brella's family and friends as they seek justice for what happened."

Campbell added, "Our independent investigation examined Northamptonshire Police's response to the disclosure made by Ms Brella that she'd 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. It will be for a police disciplinary panel to determine whether the allegations are proven," he concluded.

According to the IOPC investigation, Brella reported domestic abuse by her husband to Northamptonshire Police on August 29 last year. Lamba was arrested on September 3, 2024, subsequently released on police bail with conditions prohibiting contact with his wife, and issued a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO).

Brella's body was discovered in the boot of a Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, east London, on November 14, 2024. Police believe she was strangled at her Northamptonshire home on November 10 before her body was transported to London.

The IOPC launched an independent investigation on November 20 following a referral from Northamptonshire Police.

"Our investigation has considered the actions of two detectives who were assigned to the domestic abuse investigation, plus two more senior officers who had supervisory responsibility," the IOPC explained.

"Having examined all available evidence, it is our opinion the two detective constables (DCs) have a case to answer for gross misconduct. We believe a police disciplinary panel could find the officers didn't appropriately review the case, set investigative actions, seek supervisory advice, or keep Ms Brella sufficiently updated."

"Our investigation also concluded there is a misconduct case to answer for a sergeant and chief inspector over their supervision and review of the domestic abuse investigation and associated risk assessment for Ms Brella. It is our view the officers may potentially have breached police standards of professional behaviour relating to duties and responsibilities," the IOPC noted.

The independent police watchdog confirmed all parties have been informed of the decisions, and Northamptonshire Police will now organize the required disciplinary proceedings.

"Our investigation also identified areas of potential learning for Northamptonshire Police, which are currently being reviewed, in relation to its Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit," the IOPC added.

Meanwhile, Lamba remains at large with reports indicating sightings around Delhi. He was charged with Brella's murder in March this year and faces additional charges of rape, sexual assault, and controlling or coercive behavior.

Northamptonshire Police stated, "This is an exceptionally complex case and with criminal proceedings now active in the UK, we are unable to go into detail about the investigation at this time. However, we can confirm that the Indian authorities have been made aware through the appropriate channels of the charging decision."

Harshita's Delhi-based father Satbir Brella, mother Sudesh Kumari, and sister Sonia Dabas have been campaigning for justice, with the issue even being raised in the British Parliament last year. Harshita had married fellow Indian national Pankaj Lamba in an arranged marriage, and the couple moved to the UK in April last year. While she worked in a warehouse, Lamba was reportedly a student in London.