Family Says Northamptonshire Police Advice Prevented Murder Victim From Leaving UK

The family of 24-year-old Harshita Brella has stated that Northamptonshire Police advised her against returning to India while her domestic abuse case was active, and that this advice left her in the country where she was later killed. Brella contacted Northamptonshire Police on August 29 2024 to report an alleged attack by her husband Pankaj Lamba at their home in Corby.

Lamba, who held a student visa and worked part-time as a security guard, was arrested on September 3 and released on bail with conditions that included a domestic violence protection order.

Brella was found dead on November 14 2024, four days after she is believed to have been strangled at her home. Her body was discovered in the boot of a vehicle in Ilford, east London. Lamba has been charged with murder and is believed to have fled to India.

Northamptonshire Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The IOPC concluded that four officers should face misconduct proceedings, including two detective constables facing gross misconduct charges and a sergeant and chief inspector facing misconduct allegations.

Brella's sister Sonia Dabas told the Daily Mail that the family wanted Brella to return to India for safety. Dabas said Brella reported that police told her neither she nor Lamba could leave the country because the case remained active. Brella's father Satbir Singh Brella, who lives near Delhi, said his daughter was placed in a women's refuge alone after arriving in Britain in April 2024.

He stated that the family would have arranged her return to India immediately if police had not given that advice. Northamptonshire Police has confirmed that misconduct proceedings against the four officers are under way. A manhunt for Lamba continues, with investigators stating they believe he remains in India.