"the officers didn't appropriately review the case"
Four Northamptonshire Police officers face misconduct proceedings over their handling of abuse allegations made by Harshita Brella, who was later found dead in a car boot in Ilford, east London.
The 24-year-old had been reported missing from Corby and was found 100 miles from home in November 2024.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma James confirmed that disciplinary action was underway following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
The IOPC inquiry followed the force referring itself because officers had previous contact with Ms Brella before her death.
A manhunt remains ongoing for Ms Brella’s husband, 23-year-old Pankaj Lamba, who is believed to have fled to India after a murder charge was authorised.
The IOPC said Ms Brella contacted Northamptonshire Police on August 29, 2024, reporting allegations of abuse against Lamba.
He was arrested on September 3 and released on bail with conditions not to contact his wife, and was issued with a domestic violence protection order.
Harshita Brella’s body was found in the boot of a Vauxhall Corsa on November 14.
Investigators believe she died by strangulation in Corby on the evening of November 10.
The IOPC said its investigation examined the actions of two detectives assigned to the domestic abuse case and two senior officers who had supervisory responsibility.
In a statement, the IOPC said: “Having examined all available evidence, it is our opinion, the two detective constables have a case to answer for gross misconduct.
“We believe a police disciplinary panel could find the officers didn’t appropriately review the case, set investigative actions, seek supervisory advice, or keep Ms Brella sufficiently updated.
“Our investigation also concluded there is a misconduct case to answer for a sergeant and chief inspector over their supervision and review of the domestic abuse investigation and associated risk assessment for Ms Brella.”
The IOPC took the view that officers “may potentially have breached police standards of professional behaviour relating to duties and responsibilities”.
Derrick Campbell, the IOPC director of engagement, said: “Our independent investigation examined Northamptonshire Police’s response to the disclosure made by Ms Brella that she’d suffered domestic abuse.
“It has scrutinised their investigation strategy, actions taken, communication with the victim, and any safeguarding considerations.”
“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.”
Northamptonshire Police will now organise the disciplinary hearings.
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