A police watchdog has declared that four officers must face misconduct proceedings concerning their handling of a domestic abuse case reported by a woman who was later discovered deceased.
Timeline of a Tragedy
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced its decision following an investigation into the contact Northamptonshire Police had with Harshita Brella. The 24-year-old was reported to have suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her then-husband, Pankaj Lamba, on 29 August.
Lamba was subsequently arrested on 3 September and released on police bail. Conditions were imposed, prohibiting him from contacting his wife, and a Domestic Violence Protection Order was issued. Despite these measures, Harshita Brella was later found dead inside a Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, east London, on 14 November last year.
Tragically, it is suspected she had been strangled in Corby, Northamptonshire, around four days prior to the discovery of her body. A major manhunt for Lamba remains active, as he is believed to have fled the UK and is currently in India.
Watchdog Investigation Findings
The IOPC's probe focused on the actions of two detective constables who were directly assigned to the domestic abuse investigation, along with two more senior officers who held supervisory roles.
The investigation concluded that the two detective constables have a case to answer for gross misconduct. Furthermore, the IOPC found that a sergeant and a chief inspector also have a case to answer for misconduct.
Accountability and Next Steps
This ruling by the police watchdog signifies a critical step towards accountability within the force. The recommendation for misconduct proceedings highlights serious concerns about the handling of this specific domestic abuse case, which ended in the utmost tragedy.
The focus now turns to the forthcoming proceedings, which will determine the outcome for the four officers involved and what lessons can be learned to prevent similar failures in the future.
