A Calgary family doctor who was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel saw his charge withdrawn after he entered into a peace bond.

Since 2017, Dr. Ali Ayyaz Chatha has faced four charges of sexual assault involving four different women but has never been convicted. 

Each time, his charges have either been stayed, withdrawn or, on one occasion, he pleaded guilty to a lesser offence.

This week, Chatha contacted CBC News to advise that another charge had been withdrawn but declined to comment further, citing regulatory issues.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) lists Chatha as “active” in his practice, but there is a condition on his practice permit requiring him to have an approved chaperone present with female patients and female caregivers.

That condition has been in effect since May 2024. 

A spokesperson for the CPSA says the information is “current as of today” but under privacy legislation said the college could not comment “about any regulatory processes that may be ongoing, unless there is a complaint that goes before a hearing tribunal.”

At that point the college would post a hearing notice and, eventually, a written decision.

Hotel allegation

The most recent allegations were made public in May 2024 when Calgary police announced Chatha was accused of sexual assault for a fourth time.

Police alleged the doctor met a woman at Cowboys Dance Hall near Stampede Park on Jan. 14, 2023, and took her to a nearby hotel where it was alleged that he assaulted the woman.

Last spring, Chatha entered into a peace bond under conditions that he not contact the complainant.

He is also required to complete 10 counselling sessions. 

A peace bond is a protection measure where the courts can impose conditions on a person who has admitted to breaching the peace.

In exchange, the original charge the person was facing is withdrawn.