4 UK Police officers to face misconduct probe in death of Indian-origin woman Harshita Brella
he IOPC said a disciplinary panel could find that officers failed to properly review the case, set investigative actions, seek supervisory advice or keep Brella updated.
November 24, 2025 10:55 PM IST
First published on: Nov 24, 2025 at 10:31 PM IST
Comments
Print
Share
Whatsapp
twitter
Facebook
Harshita Brella, 24, had recently moved to the UK. (Photo: X/@JamesAl41960876)
Four police officers in Northamptonshire in the United Kingdom will face misconduct proceedings over their handling of the domestic abuse allegations made by India-origin woman Harshita Brella before she was found dead in a car boot, Sky News reported.
Who was Harshita Brella?
Harshita Brella, 24, had moved to the UK in April 2024. She was found inside a Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, east London, on 14 November, 2024. She is believed to have been killed four days earlier in Corby, Northamptonshire.
What happened before her death?
Brella reported domestic abuse by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, to Northamptonshire Police on 29 August. Lamba was arrested on 3 September, released on bail with conditions not to contact her, and issued a Domestic Violence Protection Order.
Police believe he fled the UK soon after. A manhunt is still under way, and officers think he is now in India.
What the IOPC found
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reviewed the actions of two detectives working on the case, along with a sergeant and a chief inspector who supervised the investigation.
The watchdog found that two detective constables have a case to answer for gross misconduct, while the sergeant and chief inspector have a case to answer for misconduct.
The IOPC said a disciplinary panel could find that officers failed to properly review the case, set investigative actions, seek supervisory advice or keep Brella updated. These issues may amount to breaches of policing standards around duties and responsibilities.
“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,” IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said in a statement.
He added, “After a thorough review of the evidence, we have determined four officers should face disciplinary proceedings. It will be for a police disciplinary panel to determine whether the allegations are proven.”
Sky News said Northamptonshire Police will now organise the disciplinary hearings. The IOPC has also identified areas of learning for the force’s domestic abuse investigation unit.
Share
Harshita Brella, 24, had recently moved to the UK. (Photo: X/@JamesAl41960876) 
