Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Asian-origin trans chief resigns over failings at rape crisis centre

In an earlier letter, the Board acknowledged mistakes and issued an apology, admitting that it "got things wrong."

Mridul Wadhwa stepped down as the chief executive of the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre following a report commissioned by Rape Crisis Scotland. (Photo: ERCC)
Mridul Wadhwa stepped down as the chief executive of the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre following a report commissioned by Rape Crisis Scotland. (Photo: ERCC)

A TRANSGENDER woman of Asian origin resigned as head of a rape crisis centre in Edinburgh on Friday after an independent review found failings related to protecting women-only spaces.

Mridul Wadhwa stepped down as the chief executive of the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC) following a report commissioned by Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS).


The report concluded that there had been a “failure to protect women-only spaces” and that Wadhwa "did not understand the limits on her role's authority," resulting in "a failure to set professional standards of behaviour."

The review was ordered in May in response to an Employment Tribunal case brought by a former employee of the ERCC, raising concerns about the charity's systems and operations.

"Mridul Wadhwa and the Board have decided that the time is right for a change of leadership at the ERCC," said the Board of Directors in a statement. "Mridul has stood down from her role as CEO of ERCC. Recruitment of a new CEO will happen in due course. We are committed to delivering excellence while taking on board the recommendations from the independent review to ensure we place survivors' voices at the heart of our strategy."

In an earlier letter, the Board acknowledged mistakes and issued an apology, admitting that it "got things wrong."

The independent review, conducted by legal expert Vicky Ling, identified several failings, including a "strategy which did not put survivors first," a failure to protect women-only spaces, and poor oversight of systems, procedures, and governance. One of the key recommendations was for ERCC to consult with RCS on the definition of 'woman' in its services and to ensure the protection and clear promotion of women-only spaces.

Rape Crisis Scotland expressed concern that ERCC had not provided dedicated women-only spaces for several months, as required by the National Service Standards.

Author JK Rowling, a vocal advocate for women-only spaces, welcomed Wadhwa’s resignation. “Mridul Wadhwa is gone from Edinburgh Rape Crisis. He should have been fired the moment he said that survivors who wanted a female-only space were bigots who should ‘reframe their trauma’,” Rowling posted on X. She also criticised those who appointed and supported Wadhwa.

Scottish Member of Parliament Sue Webber also commented, emphasising that rape crisis centres should prioritise providing a safe environment for traumatised women. She criticised ERCC for focusing on promoting a "militant gender ideology" instead of supporting staff and victims.

(With inputs from PTI)

More For You

Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Soumik Datta (R) and Gurdain Singh Rayatt

Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Mahesh Liloriya

The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.

Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain (Photo for representation: iStock)

Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

A PAKISTANI man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 will face a fresh deportation hearing after the Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain, reported The Times.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had initially won his case to stay in the UK after claiming he would face "inhuman or degrading treatment" if sent back to Pakistan due to his alcoholism.

Keep ReadingShow less
India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

Rescue teams work to save residents trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay on March 29, 2025. (Photo by SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

INDIA has swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar by launching Operation Brahma, sending emergency relief and rescue teams to the disaster-stricken nation.

A C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in Yangon on Saturday (29), carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and food parcels. The aid mission comes after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28), killing more than 1,000 people and injuring nearly 2,400 others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

Pakistan stands at 109th place out of 147 countries

Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

THE UK has experienced a significant blow to its national morale, plummeting to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report for 2025 – its lowest ranking ever – despite being the world’s sixth richest nation.

Released to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness last Thursday (20), the report provided a nuanced exploration of national contentment that extends far beyond economic measurements.

Keep ReadingShow less