Officers assigned to Corby bride before her murder appear at police misconduct meeting
A pair of Northamptonshire Police officers who had a supervisory role in the case of Harshita Brella prior to her death face a misconduct meeting today (Thursday, May 21).
Harshita was murdered on November 10, 2024, in Corby and her husband - prime suspect Pankaj Lamba - subsequently went on the run to India evading justice for a year-and a-half.
As the murder investigation continues, Northamptonshire Police force is reviewing actions taken by officers before Harshita’s murder as she had sought their protection in the months before she died.
Harshita’s mum, Sudesh Kumari, her dad Satbir Singh, and her sister Sonia Dabas, have travelled 4,000 miles to the UK to ‘seek justice’ for their beloved daughter and sister.
On the same day as a sergeant and a chief inspector’s actions are scrutinised, Harshita’s family will meet with Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone as well as a face-to-face sit down with senior investigating officer Det Supt Johnny Campbell and members of the investigation team.
Corby resident Harshita reported to Northamptonshire Police on August 29, 2024 that she had suffered domestic abuse by her then husband Pankaj Lamba.
He was arrested on September 3 and released on police bail, with conditions not to contact his wife, and issued with a Domestic Violence Protection Order.
Ms Brella’s body was found in the boot of a Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, Essex, on November 14. It is suspected she was strangled in Corby on the evening of November 10.
Different from misconduct or gross misconduct hearings, the maximum punishment does not include dismissal but could result in a Practice Requiring Improvement, no further action, a written warning or a final written warning.
The result of the misconduct meeting relating to supervision and review of the domestic abuse investigation, and associated risk assessment for Harshita will be disclosed at the end of June, within the April to June summary.
Summaries are of all misconduct and gross misconduct meetings are published on a quarterly basis on the Northamptonshire Police website.
Gross misconduct cases are notified publicly in advance of the hearing and the outcomes are published within a week of the hearing being held.
According to police regulations, the purpose of the police misconduct regime is threefold – “to maintain public confidence in, and the reputation of, the police service; to uphold high standards in policing and to deter misconduct and to protect the public.”
Gross misconduct hearings are generally held in public and are publicised in line with conduct regulation requirements.
Harshita’s family members are being supported in the UK by the Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council (NREC).
NREC chief executive Anjona Roy said: “This case raises serious concerns about how domestic abuse cases are handled and highlights the risks faced by women, particularly those who may be isolated or new to the UK. Systems must do better to protect those at risk.”
A memorial event organised by Harshita’s family is being held in Corby on Saturday, May 23, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm at the Hazelwood Community Centre in Corby. People are being asked to pay their respects to Harshita at the Gainsborough Road venue.