LAVAL – A doctor practicing in Quebec, Sanjeev Sirpal, has been found guilty of two counts of assault and one count of counselling a person to commit an offense that ultimately went uncommitted. The ruling was delivered by Quebec Court Judge Frédéric Bénard during proceedings in Laval.

In the case, it was determined that Sirpal had requested his then-girlfriend to fabricate a diary entry. This entry was meant to suggest that she had witnessed one of his patients displaying a Nazi symbol and making a racist remark in a waiting room of a medical facility located in the Montreal area. The intent behind this request was to discredit the patient, who had previously lodged a formal complaint against Sirpal with the province's medical regulatory body.

Judge Bénard emphasized the severity of Sirpal's actions, noting that the doctor's misconduct involved not only the assault on his ex-girlfriend but also the attempt to manipulate information to protect his professional standing. The judge closely reviewed the testimonies presented during the trial, acknowledging that both Sirpal and the complainant offered conflicting versions of the incidents in question. Ultimately, Bénard found the woman's account to be credible, leading to the verdict against the doctor.

Specifically, the judge concluded that Sirpal had assaulted his ex-girlfriend during two separate incidents that occurred in August and December of 2020. However, he was acquitted of charges related to dangerous driving and attempts to obstruct justice, indicating that while there was sufficient evidence for some charges, the court did not find him guilty on all counts.

Looking forward, the case is set to return to court for a sentencing hearing scheduled for October 15. The outcomes of this hearing are anticipated to shed light on the potential consequences Sirpal may face as a result of his convictions.

The public and media attention surrounding the case highlights ongoing discussions regarding professional conduct among medical practitioners and the implications of their personal actions on their careers. As the legal proceedings advance, the case is likely to serve as a significant point of reference in discussions about accountability and ethical behavior in the medical field.