Guilty: Psychiatrist who sexually assaulted patients under the guise of physical examinations

A psychiatrist who inappropriately touched his patients has been found guilty of three counts of sexual assault following a trial at Bolton Crown Court.

Dr Vijay Gaikwad, 44, denied sexually assaulting his patients, claiming he had not conducted physical examinations of the three women.

Gill Petrovic, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “As a Doctor, Vijay Gaikwad was trusted by his patients.

“He abused that trust by sexually assaulting three patients in his care.

“Gaikwad’s sickening actions have had a profound impact on the women who came to him for help. One woman told police that she had self-harmed after this incident because it had upset her so much.

“Gaikwad failed to take responsibility for his actions, making them relive their abuse at trial.

“I would like to thank the women who supported this prosecution. It would not have been possible to bring Gaikwad to justice without them.

“I hope this case will give other survivors of sexual abuse the confidence to come forward.”

Three women had separate appointments with Dr Gaikwad in 2019 and 2020, to discuss their mental health and ongoing medication.

In each appointment, Gaikwad suggested he needed to carry out a physical examination of the women.

During the examination, he touched and squeezed their breasts, although there was no medical need for him to do so.

In his police interviews, Gaikwad denied carrying out physical examinations of the women’s breasts.

On 12 May 2025, Gaikwad was convicted of three sexual assaults. He will be sentenced at a later date.