UK Police Under Scrutiny After Indian Bride's Tragic Murder
Four police officers in the United Kingdom are now facing serious misconduct proceedings for their handling of domestic abuse complaints filed by Harshita Brella, a 24-year-old Indian woman who was allegedly murdered by her husband last year. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded that the officers failed to provide adequate protection to Brella before her tragic death.
The Tragic Timeline of Events
Harshita Brella, who originally hailed from Palam in Delhi, had arrived in the UK only in April last year following her wedding to Pankaj Lamba, a 24-year-old from Dharauli in Uttar Pradesh. The young bride's life in her new country turned tragic when her body was discovered inside a car in Ilford, east London, on November 14 last year.
According to detective investigations, Lamba allegedly strangled his wife in Corby on November 10 before driving her body to London and abandoning it in a car boot. The accused then boarded a flight to India, where he remains at large despite being charged with murder in March 2025.
Systemic Failures in Domestic Abuse Response
The case has exposed serious gaps in how UK police handle domestic violence complaints. Brella had reported to police on August 29 last year that she was being physically assaulted by her husband. Lamba was subsequently arrested on September 3 and released on police bail with conditions that prohibited him from contacting his wife. A 28-day domestic violence protection order was also issued, and Brella was moved to a women's refuge in Corby for her safety.
However, the victim's mother, Sudesh Kumari, revealed heartbreaking details to ITV news about how her daughter repeatedly tried to seek help from authorities. "The police did not support her. They did not listen to my daughter," Kumari stated. "She called them many times, but the police did not pick up. She told me, 'Mummy, they are not answering my call.' Even when officers did answer, they told her they were on leave and then disconnected. If the police had supported her, my daughter would have been saved."
IOPC Investigation Findings
The IOPC investigation examined the actions of two detectives assigned to the domestic abuse investigation and two senior officers with supervisory responsibility. The watchdog organization determined that two detective constables have a case to answer for gross misconduct, while a sergeant and chief inspector face misconduct proceedings for their supervision and review of the domestic abuse investigation.
The misconduct proceedings will specifically examine whether the officers appropriately reviewed Brella's case, set proper investigative actions, sought necessary supervisory advice, and kept the victim sufficiently updated about her case's progress. The IOPC also highlighted concerns about the associated risk assessment conducted for Brella's protection.
Northamptonshire Police confirmed that misconduct proceedings are now underway while emphasizing that the murder investigation into Brella's death remains "ongoing." The manhunt for Pankaj Lamba continues in India, where he is believed to be evading capture.
This case has raised significant questions about the protection mechanisms available to vulnerable women, particularly those who have recently moved to the UK from other countries. The tragic outcome has highlighted the critical importance of proper follow-up and support for domestic violence victims, regardless of their national origin or immigration status.
