By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-11-26 15:46:29 | Updated at 2024-11-26 17:39:50
1 hour ago
The husband of a woman whose body was discovered in a car boot had been arrested two months earlier in connection with a domestic abuse complaint, the police watchdog has said.
The watchdog has launched an investigation into Northamptonshire Police's handling of the domestic abuse case involving Harshita Brella.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) revealed that Brella's husband, murder suspect Pankaj Lamba, had been arrested and bailed for domestic abuse just weeks before her death.
The 24-year-old's remains were discovered in the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa in Ilford, east London, on November 14.
The watchdog has launched an investigation into Northamptonshire Police's handling of the domestic abuse case involving Harshita Brella
Northamptonshire Police
Police are still attempting to locate Lamba, 23, who is the prime suspect in her killing.
Brella had reported domestic abuse to police in August this year, according to the watchdog.
Following this report, her husband Lamba was arrested on September 3.
After his arrest, Lamba was released on conditional bail, and authorities implemented a domestic violence protection order.
The IOPC will examine the police response to Brella's August report as part of their investigation.
They will also look into any subsequent contact Northamptonshire Police had with Brella concerning the case.
Police believe Brella was strangled to death in Corby on the evening of November 10.
Investigators say her body was then transported to Ilford in the car boot the following day.
The discovery was made on Brisbane Road in Ilford, east London, where authorities found her body in a silver Vauxhall Corsa.
IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell outlined the scope of their investigation, stating: "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," he added.
Campbell also expressed the IOPC's sympathies, saying: "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."
