Harshita Brella’s husband, Pankaj Lamba, was arrested for domestic abuse two months before the tragic discovery of Ms. Brella’s body in a car boot. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated an investigation into the interaction between police officers and the couple. Ms. Brella, aged 24, was found in a Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, east London, where a post-mortem examination revealed that she died from strangulation. The incident is believed to have occurred on 10 November after which her body was transported from their home in Corby, Northamptonshire to London.
The police are currently engaged in an international manhunt to locate Mr. Lamba, suspected of fleeing the country. The IOPC, following a self-referral from Northamptonshire Police, is looking into the response of the police to Ms. Brella’s report of domestic abuse in August. Mr. Lamba was previously arrested by Northamptonshire Police on 3 September and released under bail conditions with a domestic violence protection notice imposed on him. The investigation will delve into the actions and decisions made by the police in handling Ms. Brella’s case.
Officers from Northamptonshire Police initiated a search for Ms. Brella upon receiving concerns for her welfare on 13 November, a day prior to the discovery of her deceased body. CCTV footage released last week captured the couple strolling at a boating lake on 10 November, the same date when the crime is suspected to have taken place. The East Midlands major crime unit and the National Crime Agency are collaborating in the pursuit of Mr. Lamba.
Anyone with pertinent information is urged to contact the authorities through various channels such as calling 101, reaching out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555111, or submitting information online at mipp.police.uk. The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing as law enforcement agencies work diligently to bring justice to the victim and her family.
