Harshita Brella’s husband, Pankaj Lamba, was arrested and released on bail following a report of domestic abuse weeks before she died, a watchdog has said.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it will investigate Northamptonshire Police’s contact with Ms Harshita Brella, whose body was found in a car boot days after she was believed to be strangled to death by Pankaj Lamba.
The 24-year-old’s body was found in the boot of a silver Vauxhall Corsa in Brisbane Road, Ilford, east London, on November 14.
Her husband, Pankaj Lamba, 23, was named as the prime suspect in her killing and police are still trying to trace him.
Ms Harshita Brella had made a report of domestic abuse to police in August and Pankaj Lamba had been arrested on September 3, but was released on conditional bail and a domestic violence protection order was put in place, the watchdog said.
Police believe she was strangled to death in Corby on the evening of November 10 before her body was driven to Ilford in the car boot the next day.
“We will be examining the police response to Ms Harshita Brella’s report of domestic abuse made at the end of August this year.
“We understand Mr Pankaj Lamba was arrested by Northamptonshire Police on September 3 and was released with bail conditions and a domestic violence protection notice imposed on him. We will look into further contact Northamptonshire Police had with Ms Harshita Brella concerning the case.
“Our investigation will consider the actions and decisions taken by Northamptonshire Police in relation to the report made by Ms Harshita Brella and their subsequent investigation.
“Our thoughts are with Ms Harshita Brella’s family and all those affected by her death. We will be contacting Ms Harshita Brella’s family to explain our role and express our sincere condolences.”
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