The investigation into the murder of 24-year-old Harshita Brella has revealed troubling details about her history of domestic abuse, leading to the arrest of her husband Pankaj Lamba and a subsequent international manhunt following her death.
International Manhunt Launched for Husband of Slain Domestic Abuse Victim
International Manhunt Launched for Husband of Slain Domestic Abuse Victim
Pankaj Lamba, husband of Harshita Brella, is the prime suspect in her murder, prompting an ongoing investigation into prior domestic abuse allegations.
Harshita Brella's tragic death has uncovered alarming details regarding domestic abuse and police response. The 24-year-old's husband, Pankaj Lamba, is now facing an international manhunt after her body was discovered in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on November 14. Authorities believe Brella was fatally strangled days earlier in Corby, Northamptonshire, on November 10.
Police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), confirmed that Lamba had been arrested in September after Brella reported domestic abuse. Following this arrest, he was released on bail with specific conditions, including a domestic violence protection notice. The IOPC’s regional director, Derrick Campbell, stated the investigation would assess Northamptonshire Police's response to Brella's abuse report made in August.
As part of their investigation, the IOPC will scrutinize the police's further interactions with Brella about her domestic violence allegations. They will also reach out to her family to express condolences and clarify their investigative role.
Additionally, detectives released CCTV footage of Brella and Lamba together at a boating lake in Corby on the night of her murder. They have appealed to the public for any information regarding that evening to assist in the ongoing investigation. The case has garnered significant media attention, raising concerns about the adequacy of police handling of domestic abuse reports in the UK.
