KRISHNA SINGH, AIRDIRE DOCTOR, GUILTY OF SEX CRIMES AGAINST 48 WOMEN IN LANARKSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Airdrie and the wider Lanarkshire region, Krishna Singh, a 72-year-old doctor, has been found guilty of a series of heinous sex crimes committed against 48 female patients over a span of more than three decades. The conviction follows a lengthy and detailed trial at the High Court in Glasgow, during which Singh faced a total of 54 charges, including multiple counts of sexual assault and indecent assault, with the jury ultimately convicting him on the majority of these charges.

Singh, who had been a well-respected figure in the local community since establishing his medical practice in the early 1980s, used his position of trust to prey on vulnerable women. His victims ranged from teenage girls and pregnant women to women who had been raped, with some subjected to inappropriate examinations, unwelcome touching, kissing, and lewd comments during their appointments. Prosecutors described Singh as someone who was “hiding in plain sight,” exploiting his professional status to carry out his misconduct over a period of more than 35 years.

Remarkably, Singh was even awarded an MBE for his medical services during this time, which added a layer of tragic irony to the case. The allegations first came to light in 2018 when one woman, inspired by the Me Too movement and the scandal involving Harvey Weinstein, bravely reported her experience to NHS Lanarkshire. Her complaint prompted a comprehensive investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse.

During the trial, Singh vehemently denied all allegations, claiming that some of the examinations cited by victims were part of his medical training in India and that he had not intended any harm. He insisted that the women’s accounts were mistaken or exaggerated. However, the evidence presented by the prosecution painted a different picture, with numerous women recounting their distressing experiences in court. One woman, a hospital worker aged 50, described how Singh examined her at Motherwell police station in March 2008 after she reported being raped. She testified that Singh asked invasive questions about her clothing and whether she was provocative, and then proceeded to molest her.

Other victims described similar encounters, with some recalling how Singh would “press and prod” around their pelvic areas during routine check-ups, even when unnecessary. One woman, now 39 and a mother, expressed her outrage, stating, “If that was my daughter, I would be sitting in the dock on a murder charge. No professional should act like that.” Several women also recounted how they felt intimidated or hesitant to report Singh’s misconduct at the time, fearing that their complaints would not be believed due to Singh’s senior position at the practice, where his wife served as the practice manager.

One victim, who was a teenager at the time, explained her naivety, saying, “Maybe naivete was why I didn’t speak up. I thought, as a young person, who would believe me over a respected doctor?” It was only in 2018, after the brave testimony of one woman, that Singh was finally brought to justice. Her detailed account of molestation in 2012, which included being kissed and Singh looking down her underwear, was instrumental in sparking the investigation.

Throughout the trial, Singh maintained his innocence, claiming that certain actions, such as touching breasts “simultaneously,” were part of his medical training in India. Yet, a fellow medic who had practiced in India dismissed his explanation, showing no emotion as the verdicts were read out. The jury deliberated for more than two days before reaching their decision.

Judge Lord Armstrong deferred sentencing until next month to allow for reports to be prepared. He also ordered Singh to continue on bail, surrender his passport, and adhere to the current bail conditions. As Singh left the courtroom, he was accompanied by several family members, maintaining a composed demeanor despite the gravity of the verdicts.

Singh’s fall from grace is particularly poignant given his previous reputation as a trusted healthcare provider in Airdrie and the surrounding areas. His role extended beyond general practice, as he was employed as a police casualty surgeon, examining victims of sexual violence. His actions, however, have shattered the trust placed in him by countless women and the community at large, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that persisted for decades.