UK Mayor Convicted of Assisting Offender in Attempt to Destroy Evidence Linked to Rape Investigation

Mumbai, February 6:Former UK mayor Naheed Ejaz has been convicted of assisting an offender after a court found that she helped her son attempt to destroy evidence linked to a rape investigation. Ejaz, who previously served as mayor of Bracknell Forest in Berkshire, was found guilty by a jury this week of interfering with the course of justice, a verdict that has drawn widespread public attention due to her former position as a senior local leader. The conviction relates to allegations against her 41-year-old son, Diwan Khan, who is facing separate proceedings over the alleged rape of a minor. Prosecutors told the court that after becoming aware of the allegations, Ejaz actively assisted her son in avoiding police scrutiny by helping to dispose of potential forensic evidence and obstruct aspects of the investigation. Digital records and witness testimony were presented to show that her actions went beyond emotional support and amounted to deliberate criminal interference.UK: Indian-Origin Woman Raped in Walsall's Park Hall Area, Police Call 'Racially Aggravated' Attack Horrific; 1 Arrested. During the trial, the prosecution argued that Ejaz knowingly acted to undermine the justice system despite understanding the gravity of the allegations. Her defense maintained that she was motivated by maternal instinct rather than intent to commit a crime. The jury, however, concluded that her conduct crossed legal boundaries and returned a guilty verdict for assisting an offender. The judge noted the seriousness of the offence, particularly given Ejaz’s former role as an elected public official, and said sentencing would take place in the coming weeks.‘You Don’t Belong in This Country’: Sikh Woman Raped by 2 Men in Broad Daylight in UK’s Oldbury, Attackers Hurl Racist Slurs. Ejaz had served as mayor of Bracknell Forest and was known locally as the borough’s first woman of Pakistani origin to hold the post. She stepped down from her council responsibilities after the allegations against her son surfaced. In the aftermath of the verdict, Bracknell Forest Council distanced itself from the former mayor, reiterating its commitment to the rule of law and cooperation with investigating authorities. The conviction has prompted debate across Berkshire about accountability and trust in public office. While many residents expressed shock at the case, victims’ rights groups welcomed the verdict, saying it reinforced the principle that no one is above the law. Police have confirmed that proceedings against Diwan Khan in relation to the alleged rape and associated S*x offences are ongoing and have urged the public to allow the legal process to run its course. TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (The Times), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 06, 2026 06:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our websitelatestly.com).