Achi news desk-
A Calgary family doctor has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman more than a year ago.
Police say a woman was at the Cowboys Ballroom on 12th Avenue SE on January 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 the police.
Ali Ayyaz Chatha, 34, has been charged with sexual assault.
He is expected to appear in court on May 28.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons says its license to practice at a clinic in Bridgeland is still active, but generally, when it becomes aware of criminal charges against a doctor, it opens an investigation.
Chatha’s lawyer tells CTV News that he is presumed innocent and will defend himself diligently in court.
In Canada, there is no time limit on reporting a sexual assault.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault is encouraged to report it, even if many years have passed since the incident.
“We investigate all sexual offenses that are reported to us and take several investigative steps to speak to witnesses, collect and process evidence – including DNA analysis – before laying charges,” said Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson from the sexual assault investigation unit.
“These types of crimes can be extremely personal and sensitive, and I would like to thank the victim for coming forward to the police and reporting this incident to us.”
Anyone with information about this incident should call police at 403-266-1234.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously via Tackle the Tackle.
