Senior council figures have been asked to explain how concerns about convicted rapist Diwan Khan were handled in 2024, whilst the former Bracknell mayor was in office.
In her first act as Bracknell leader, police detective turned council chief Helen Purnell has launched an investigation into the council’s activities.
Bracknell’s interim leader is fiercely determined to expose the council processes that allowed a now convicted rapist to drive taxis and attend ceremonies as the Mayor’s consort.
Cllr Purnell wrote to the authority’s chief executive requesting detailed answers about the timeline of events and internal decision-making.
Her letter seen by the LDRS focuses on whether any warnings were raised during the licensing process – including from Thames Valley Police – and what information, if any, was shared with the council after Mr Khan was granted a licence.
Cllr Purnell has also asked whether concerns about Mr Khan’s suitability to hold a taxi licence were reported between the time it was issued and its eventual suspension, and how those concerns were assessed.
She drew particular attention to a meeting held in January 2024 for senior councillors, where a different serious allegation against Mr Khan was discussed – six months before rape he has since been convicted of.
The council leader has requested clarification on who attended and what action was taken following that meeting.
In the same month, Khan was asked to step back from his role as Mayor’s consort. His taxi licence is also believed to have been revoked at around the same time.
Khan later went on to rape a 15-year-old girl after feeding her vodka and ecstasy, and is awaiting sentence at the end of April.
On Wednesday March 13, less than a week after taking control, cllr Purnell announced:
“Under my direction as leader, the council has launched an investigation into its licencing and safeguarding.”
“As a mother and former police officer, I am relieved that both Diwan Khan and Naheed Ejaz have faced the full force of the law for their terrible crimes.
“We await their sentencing this year and my thoughts remain with the victim of these crimes.
“One of my first acts as leader has been to write to the Chief Executive asking key questions around the council’s licencing procedures.
“Leaders of all groups have now received copies of my letter.”
“Councillors from all parties and residents have rightly been in touch with questions since Naheed Ejaz and Diwan Khan’s sentencing. Questions which need answers.
“Now the Council will prepare an audit addressing the key questions raised in my letter and present that audit to the Governance and Overview Committee.
“This is a cross-party committee designed to give all parties the full information on the council’s activities, and an opportunity to openly scrutinise the Council’s processes.
“I was elected on a promise to be transparent, accountable and responsible – and that is what I am doing in taking these actions.”
