Chula Vista psychiatrist accused of sex with patient, harassing employees

A prominent Chula Vista psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist has been accused by state regulators of engaging in a sexual relationship with a patient under his care.

Dr. Ankur Bindal could have his medical license suspended or revoked if the charges are proved to be true, according to an accusation filed by the California Medical Board late last month.

State regulators also accused Bindal of sexually harassing three women who were formerly employed by his practice, KMG Psychiatry, which has offices in Chula Vista, Sorrento Valley and Vista.

The alleged sexual relationship between the physician and his patient began after the woman sought treatment in March 2020, the accusation alleges. She remained under his case for four years, it adds.

None of the alleged victims were identified in the 20-page public Medical Board filing, with the patient identified only as Patient A and the three former employees as Employees 1, 2 and 3.

“Patient A received TMS therapy at KMG Psychiatry which involved weekly visits to the office,” the accusation says. “During her TMS therapy visits, respondent would give quick kisses to Patient A when they were alone inside the room.

“Respondent also physically groped Patient A and ‘made out’ with her during other visits when they were alone,” It adds.

The public accusation goes on to say that Bindal had sexual relations with the patient on multiple occasions and separately engaged in phone sex with her. It also says he gave her hundreds of dollars in cash.

Bindal did not respond to multiple requests for comment left at his office and sent to his email at the direction of his staff.

In an email he sent to 10 News earlier this month, he did not deny the allegations but said they were difficult to process and that he needed “healing space” as the case moves forward.

“As you can imagine, it’s extremely disheartening, emotionally & ethically for me and my family to hear this accusation,” 10 News reported. “It’s not in my character, and I need some healing space as we learn of details of the case, present our evidence and defend this.”

Medical Board investigators also said Bindal sexually harassed three employees hired in recent months and years.

According to the accusation, he improperly hugged the women and invited them out for drinks after work. When they complained, they were disciplined, had their work hours cut or were simply let go, regulators said.

“Respondent frequently leaned over Employee 1’s body while she was seated at her computer and would touch his chest against her back and placed his hands over hers while she held the computer mouse,” the filing says.

“Respondent frequently made inappropriate comments to Employee 1 at the office,” it added. “Respondent frequently told Employee 1 that she was ‘beautiful.’”

KMG Psychiatry treats depression, anxiety, port-traumatic stress and other disorders, according to the practice’s website. Among other therapies, it relies on transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, which uses magnetic coils to activate nerve cells in specific parts of the brain.

The medical office also treats disorders related to sleep, panic attacks, childhood development issues and more, the KMG website says.

Medical Board of California records show Bindal as a 2003 graduate of the Government Medical College at Punjab University in Chandigarh, India. His state license was issued in 2014 and has been renewed and remains valid through August 2026.

The accusation, filed publicly on Nov. 24, spells out seven specific alleged violations: sexual exploitation, sexual misconduct, gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, dishonest or corrupt acts, unprofessional conduct and failure to maintain adequate and accurate records.

According to the filing, regulators are requesting a hearing to determine whether Bindal’s license should be placed on probation or simply suspended or revoked. He also could be held liable for the cost of the state investigation.

Prior to the November accusation, Bindal had no public disciplinary record, and the Medical Board data notes he has not been found guilty or liable of any wrongdoing.