In a tragic turn of events, four police officers are currently under investigation for their handling of a domestic abuse report concerning Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old woman who was believed to have been murdered by her husband, Pankaj Lamba. Detectives suspect that Lamba, 23, strangled Brella in Corby, Northamptonshire, on the night of November 10th, after which her body was discovered in the trunk of a silver Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, east London, four days later.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is actively collecting and scrutinizing evidence related to the interactions between the police force and the victim, Ms. Brella. According to IOPC director Derrick Campbell, two detective constables have been served disciplinary notices for “gross misconduct,” while two more senior officers have faced potential misconduct allegations. The focus of the investigation revolves around the handling and communication of domestic abuse inquiries involving Ms. Brella since the end of August 2024.
Pankaj Lamba had previously been arrested on September 3rd following a domestic abuse report filed by Ms. Brella. However, he was subsequently released on conditional bail, with a domestic violence protection order in place. Charges against Lamba, who resided in Corby, were detailed during a proceeding at Northampton Magistrates’ Court. The couple had entered into an arranged marriage in August 2023 and relocated to the UK in April 2024, shedding light on the complexities surrounding their relationship.
Ms. Brella’s grieving mother, Sudesh Kumari, has been vocal about seeking justice for her daughter, even as Indian authorities recently arrested Lamba’s parents on charges related to their alleged role in contributing to her daughter’s tragic demise. This development, occurring under the umbrella of the “dowry death” law, underscores the global scope of the investigation and the far-reaching implications of the case. Despite the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, the community mourns the loss of an innocent life and the shattered hopes and dreams that accompanied it
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