Police Watchdog Confirms Harshita Brella’s Husband Was Previously Arrested

A police oversight body has confirmed that Harshita Brella’s husband was taken into custody by law enforcement in September, following a domestic abuse complaint she filed. An international search operation has commenced for Pankaj Lamba, subsequent to the discovery of Ms Brella’s remains in the trunk of a vehicle in Ilford, east London, on 14 November. Authorities suspect Ms Brella, aged 24, was fatally strangled in Corby, Northamptonshire, on 10 November, and have identified Mr Lamba, 23, as the primary suspect in their inquiry. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated it initiated an investigation into Northamptonshire Police following a domestic abuse report made by Ms Brella in August. The IOPC further noted that Mr Lamba was apprehended on 3 September and subsequently released under bail conditions, along with a domestic violence protection notice. Derrick Campbell, IOPC regional director, indicated that their investigation was initiated after a self-referral from the police force itself. He stated, “We will be examining the police response to Ms Brella’s report of domestic abuse made at the end of August this year.” He added, “We will look into further contact Northamptonshire Police had with Ms Brella concerning the case.” Mr Campbell mentioned that the inquiry would assess the actions and decisions made by Northamptonshire Police regarding their interactions with Ms Brella. He also stated, “We will be contacting Ms Brella’s family to explain our role and express our sincere condolences.” Investigators probing the homicide released a CCTV image featuring Ms Brella and Mr Lamba on Friday. The photograph depicted the two individuals walking together close to Corby’s boating lake on Sunday, 10 November. Law enforcement requested that anyone present in the Cottingham Road vicinity that evening get in touch with them.