Calgary family physician charged with sexual assault of Cowboys patron
A Calgary family physician is accused of sexually assaulting a woman more than a year ago.
Police say a woman was at Cowboys Dance Hall on 12th Avenue S.E. on Jan. 14, 2023, and left in a taxi with a man.
They say he took her to a nearby hotel, rented a room and sexually assaulted her.
The woman later reported what happened to police.
Ali Ayyaz Chatha, 34, is charged with sexual assault.
He is scheduled to appear in court on May 28.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons says his practice permit at a clinic in Bridgeland is still active, but in general, when it becomes aware of criminal charges against a doctor, it opens an investigation.
Chatha's lawyer tells CTV News he is presumed innocent and will diligently defend himself in court.
Alberta Justice says this is the third time Chatha has been accused of sexual assault.
One charge was stayed in 2019 while a second was withdrawn in 2021.
According to records obtained by CTV News, Chatha was convicted of common assault in 2021 and received a conditional discharge.
In Canada, there is no time limit on reporting a sexual assault.
Anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual assault is encouraged to report it, even if many years have passed since the incident.
"We investigate all sexual offences that are reported to us and take several investigative steps to speak to witnesses, collect and process evidence – including DNA analysis – prior to laying charges," said Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson of the sexual assault investigative unit.
"These types of crimes can be extremely personal and sensitive, and I want to thank the victim for coming forward to police and reporting this incident to us."
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at 403-266-1234.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'No sign of life' at crash site of helicopter carrying Iran's president
Rescuers on Monday found a helicopter that was carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, which had crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran the day before.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Toxic drugs circulating in northeastern Ont., police say
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in many of the communities it serves.