Regina Physiotherapist's Sexual Assault Trial Concludes with Closing Arguments Pending
The trial of Regina physiotherapist Dipan Nareshbhai Chauhan, who stands accused of sexually assaulting a patient, has reached a critical juncture with all evidence now presented before the court. The proceedings, held in Regina's Court of King's Bench, will soon move to closing arguments from legal representatives before a verdict is delivered.
Charges and Plea
Chauhan faces a single charge of sexual assault alleged to have occurred on January 26, 2024. When the trial commenced on February 2, he entered a formal plea of not guilty to the accusation. The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the allegations within a healthcare provider-patient relationship.
Testimony from Multiple Witnesses
Over the course of a week-long trial, the court heard from several key witnesses including:
- The complainant, whose identity remains protected under a standard court-ordered publication ban
- The manager of the clinic where Chauhan was employed
- Another physiotherapist providing expert testimony
- Chauhan himself, who testified through a translator
The Complainant's Account
The patient testified that she initially sought treatment for work-related injuries sustained while assisting a resident at a care home. Her pain originated in her lower back before progressing to her right side and groin area. Over four months of treatment with Chauhan, she reported being asked to remove increasing amounts of clothing during sessions.
On the day of the alleged incident, she stated she was wearing only undergarments when Chauhan informed her about a new treatment approach that might expose her breast, though he indicated this was unlikely. She testified that after consenting to the treatment, Chauhan removed her bra entirely and proceeded to massage both breasts multiple times, moving his hands from the center of her chest toward her armpits.
The Defendant's Defense
Chauhan presented a markedly different account during his testimony. He maintained that the patient had complained of upper body stiffness and that he properly educated her about the treatment plan before obtaining consent. According to his version of events, the patient remained partially clothed throughout the session, with her bra remaining in place during the entire procedure.
Under questioning from his defense lawyer Bhavan Jaggi, Chauhan acknowledged moving the patient's bra straps aside after receiving permission to do so. He explained to the court that he was treating the pectoral muscle, which extends beneath breast tissue, but emphasized he only worked on a limited portion of this muscle using visual aids to demonstrate his techniques.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
With all evidence now submitted, the case awaits closing arguments from both the Crown prosecution, led by prosecutor Susan Wurtz, and the defense team. The judge will then consider the presented testimony, evidence, and legal arguments before rendering a verdict in this closely watched case that examines professional boundaries in therapeutic relationships.
