2 weeks ago
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Kris HollandNorthamptonshire
Family handout
Harshita Brella's body was discovered in the boot of a car in London on 14 November last year
Four police officers are facing misconduct proceedings over their handling of abuse allegations reported by Harshita Brella, who was later found dead in a car boot.
The 24-year-old from Corby was found in a car in Ilford, east London, 100 miles (160km) from her home in November 2024.
Northamptonshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable, Emma James, said misconduct proceedings were now under way in relation to four of the force's officers, after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
A manhunt to locate Ms Brella's husband Pankaj Lamba, who is believed to have left the UK for India, is ongoing after a murder charge was authorised against the 23-year-old.
The IOPC said Ms Brella had contacted Northamptonshire Police on 29 August 2024, alleging abuse by her then husband, Mr Lamba.
He was arrested a few days afterwards on 3 September and released on police bail with conditions not to contact his wife, and issued with a domestic violence protection order.
Ms Brella's body was discovered in the boot of a Vauxhall Corsa two months later, on 14 November. It is believed she died by strangulation in Corby on the evening of 10 November.
The Northamptonshire force later referred itself to the IOPC - a mandatory step because of officers' previous contact with Ms Brella.
Northamptonshire Police
A CCTV picture of the murder suspect Pankaj Lamba
The IOPC said its investigation considered the actions of two detectives who had been assigned to the domestic abuse investigation, and two senior officers with "supervisory responsibility".
In a statement, the IOPC said: "Having examined all available evidence, it is our opinion the two detective constables 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 took the view that officers "may potentially have breached police standards of professional behaviour relating to duties and responsibilities".
IOPC director of engagement, Derrick 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."
The IOPC said it would now be for Northamptonshire Police to organise disciplinary proceedings.
