Harshita Brella’s husband previously arrested over domestic abuse – watchdog
Pankaj Lamba was arrested in September after Ms Brella reported domestic abuse to police, a watchdog has said.
Harshita Brella’s husband was arrested and released on bail following a report of domestic abuse weeks before she died, a watchdog has said.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it will investigate Northamptonshire Police’s contact with Ms Brella, whose body was found in a car boot days after she was believed to be strangled to death.
The 24-year-old’s body was found in the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa in Brisbane Road, Ilford, east London, on November 14.
Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 23, was named as the prime suspect in her killing and police are still trying to trace him.
Police believe she was strangled to death in Corby on the evening of November 10 before her body was driven to Ilford in the car boot the next day.
IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “After assessment of a referral from Northamptonshire Police, we have decided to investigate police contact with Harshita Brella, and her husband Pankaj Lamba, prior to her body being found on November 14.
“We will be examining the police response to Ms Brella’s report of domestic abuse made at the end of August this year.
“Our investigation will consider the actions and decisions taken by Northamptonshire Police in relation to the report made by Ms Brella and their subsequent investigation.
“Our thoughts are with Ms Brella’s family and all those affected by her death. We will be contacting Ms Brella’s family to explain our role and express our sincere condolences.”
