Pankaj Lamba becomes prime suspect after Harshita Brella's death

In the United Kingdom, Harshita Brella, aged 24, was found deceased in the boot of a car in Ilford on November 14, 2024. Prior to her tragic death, she had made a report regarding domestic abuse involving her husband, Pankaj Lamba, who is now the prime suspect in the investigation. Brella had raised her concerns to the Northamptonshire Police in August 2024, leading to Lamba's arrest on September 3, 2024. Following his release, he was subjected to bail conditions that included a domestic violence protection notice. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently examining the police response to Brella's domestic abuse report. The investigation was initiated following a self-referral from Northamptonshire Police, highlighting the need to understand their actions and decisions concerning Brella's case. IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell stated that the investigation will also consider further interactions between the police and Brella before her death. The circumstances surrounding Brella's death are grim, as she is believed to have been fatally strangled on November 10, 2024, shortly before her body was discovered. Detectives released a CCTV image capturing Brella and Lamba together on the evening of her death, further indicating their presence together prior to the tragic events. Police are urging anyone with information about the pair's activities around that time to come forward. The IOPC is set to contact Brella's family to express condolences and explain their role in the investigation. The case has raised significant concerns about how domestic abuse reports are managed by law enforcement, especially in light of Brella's prior communication with the police. The public and media are closely monitoring this investigation, as it highlights the critical issue of domestic violence and the effectiveness of police response to such reports.