Lethbridge Courthouse. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Alberta pediatrician found not guilty of sexually assaulting nine-year-old girl

Nov 17, 2020 | 9:48 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – “It’s a relief for him,” said defense attorney Alain Hepner following the decision Tuesday morning in Lethbridge Court of Queen’s Bench.

Dr. Ramneek Kumar, based in St. Albert, has been found not guilty of one count each of sexual assault and sexual interference.

It was alleged that, during a joint family vacation to Waterton Lakes National Park in August 2015, Dr. Kumar sexually touched a then-nine-year-old girl on three separate occasions.

Now 14, the girl, whose name is protected under a publication ban, testified this fall that the first two incidents happened at a cottage just outside of Waterton where the two families resided in together.

She claimed the third occurred in the women’s changing room at a pool in the Waterton townsite when he allegedly insisted on helping her change despite her saying she did not need assistance.

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While the girl had mentioned to her parents in the weeks that followed that she was uncomfortable around Dr. Kumar, it was not until she watched a documentary about sexual assault in 2019 that she was able to fully come forward with the allegations.

Justice Vaughan Hartigan found the complainant, her brother, and her father to be credible witnesses who were consistent in their statements in court. However, he also felt the same way about Dr. Kumar and his wife, both of whom denied all allegations.

The defense had stated Dr. Kumar was never alone in the cabin with the girl and that, when the group went to the pool, the wife of the accused was there as well.

Hartigan said it is up to the crown to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty, but because both sides were deemed credible yet gave contradictory evidence, there was an element of doubt.

When criminal charges were laid, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) suspended Dr. Kumar’s medical license. He tried to appeal the decision in court but the judge stayed the suspension. The judge instead allowed him to return to his practice with a chaperone condition and signage in his office.

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