Watchdog Recommends Misconduct Proceedings
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has declared that four police officers should face misconduct proceedings concerning their handling of domestic abuse allegations made by Harshita Brella, who was later found deceased.
Harshita Brella, aged 24, was discovered dead inside a Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, east London, on 14 November last year. It is suspected she had been strangled four days earlier in Corby, Northamptonshire.
Timeline of a Tragedy
The sequence of events began on 29 August, when Northamptonshire Police received a report that Ms Brella had suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her then-husband, Pankaj Lamba.
Lamba was subsequently arrested on 3 September and released on police bail. His bail conditions explicitly forbade him from contacting his wife, and he was issued with a Domestic Violence Protection Order.
A major manhunt for Lamba remains active, as he is believed to have fled the UK and is currently thought to be in India.
Investigation Findings and Officer Accountability
The IOPC's independent investigation scrutinised the actions of two detectives assigned to the domestic abuse case, plus two more senior officers with supervisory roles.
The watchdog concluded that the two detective constables have a case to answer for gross misconduct. Furthermore, it found there is a misconduct case to answer for a sergeant and a chief inspector.
IOPC investigators believe a police disciplinary panel could determine that the officers failed in several key areas. These potential failures include not appropriately reviewing the case, setting necessary investigative actions, seeking supervisory advice, and keeping Ms Brella sufficiently informed about the progress of her case.
The officers may have breached police standards of professional behaviour relating to their duties and responsibilities.
Derrick Campbell, IOPC Director of Engagement, 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."
He added that their investigation examined the force's response to Ms Brella's disclosure, scrutinising the investigation strategy, actions taken, communication with the victim, and safeguarding considerations.
The final decision on whether the allegations are proven will rest with a police disciplinary panel. Additionally, the IOPC has identified potential areas for organisational learning for Northamptonshire Police's domestic abuse investigation unit.
