Four Northamptonshire Police officers to face misconduct proceedings over Harshita Brella case

Four Northamptonshire Police officers will face misconduct proceedings following an independent review into how Brella's abuse allegations were handled, in connection with her death in Corby and the ensuing police inquiry.

The case concerns 24-year-old Harshita Brella, who reported domestic abuse by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, on 29 August 2024. Lamba was arrested on 3 September, released on police bail with conditions not to contact Brella, and was subjected to a domestic violence protection order.

Brella's body was found in the boot of a Vauxhall Corsa on 14 November, with investigators concluding she died by strangulation around 10 November in Corby. Northamptonshire Police referred itself to the IOPC, a mandatory step because of the force's prior contact with Brella.

The IOPC's inquiry focused on the work of two detectives assigned to the domestic abuse investigation and two senior officers with supervisory responsibilities. It concluded the two detectives have a case to answer for gross misconduct, saying they may not have adequately reviewed the case, set necessary investigative actions, sought supervisory input, or kept Brella sufficiently informed.

It also found a misconduct case to answer for a sergeant and a chief inspector over their supervision and the risk assessment in the domestic abuse investigation. The inquiry suggested they may have breached professional standards relating to duties and responsibilities.

IOPC director Derrick Campbell said the investigation examined the force's response to Brella's disclosure, the investigation strategy, communications with the victim, and safeguarding considerations. He said four officers should face disciplinary proceedings, with a panel to decide whether the allegations are proven.

The IOPC added that Northamptonshire Police will organise the disciplinary process going forward.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about how domestic abuse reports are handled and the importance of robust risk assessments and timely victim updates.

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Key Takeaways

• IOPC found a gross misconduct case for two detectives and misconduct for a sergeant and chief inspector.
• Disciplinary proceedings will be arranged by Northamptonshire Police.
• The inquiry emphasizes safeguarding victims and ensuring clear, timely communication in domestic abuse cases.

Expert comment: A policing analyst noted the findings underscore the need for stronger case reviews and oversight when handling domestic violence referrals, especially where prior contacts exist.

Summary: The IOPC's findings trigger formal disciplinary reviews for four officers in the Brella case. The outcome depends on the police panel's assessment, while the broader issue of safeguarding remains in focus for domestic abuse investigations across the region.

Four Northamptonshire Police officers will face disciplinary action after an independent review identified gaps in handling a domestic abuse case linked to a fatal outcome. Source: BBC News.

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