News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a physician from Newark, faces multiple charges including medical fraud, sexual assault, and improper distribution of opioids. Investigations reveal he ran a ‘pill mill’ operation, prescribing excessive amounts of controlled substances without legitimate medical reasons. Allegations of sexual misconduct towards patients have also emerged, prompting severe legal actions against him. Currently under home arrest, Dr. Kalra is banned from practicing medicine while facing significant penalties, emphasizing the need for oversight in medical practices to protect public health.
Newark, New Jersey — Doctor Ritesh Kalra Charged with Medical Fraud, Sexual Assault, and Prescription Misconduct
A 51-year-old physician from New Jersey, Ritesh Kalra, is facing serious allegations involving multiple criminal charges, including medical fraud, sexual assault, and improper distribution of opioids. The charges stem from an investigation into alleged misconduct carried out at his medical practice located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.
Overview of Charges and Legal Actions
Ritesh Kalra has been formally charged with numerous counts related to illegal drug distribution, health care fraud, and sexual misconduct. Law enforcement authorities allege that Kalra operated a “pill mill,” prescribing high doses of opioids like oxycodone and promethazine with codeine without legitimate medical reasons. The investigation reveals he issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone from January 2019 through February 2025, including days when he prescribed more than 50 doses in a single day.
Additionally, Kalra is accused of defrauding Medicaid in New Jersey by submitting ghost bills—billing for medical visits that never occurred. Court documents indicate he submitted fraudulent electronic records and progress notes that lacked essential medical details, such as vital signs. Investigators also found that Kalra continued to prescribe medications to an inmate at Essex County Correctional Facility without any real medical consultation.
Currently, Kalra is under home arrest and banned from practicing medicine or prescribing medications while the legal proceedings unfold. He has been mandated to cease practicing medicine entirely during this period.
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Patient Abuse
Several reports from former employees have emerged, describing Kalra’s inappropriate behavior toward female patients. It is alleged that he solicited sexual favors, including oral sex, in exchange for opioid prescriptions. Some patients have alleged instances of sexual assault, with one woman claiming she was repeatedly assaulted and forced into anal sex during appointments. Investigations suggest that Kalra’s misconduct extended beyond verbal requests, involving physical touching and coercion.
Inappropriate Medical Practices and Record-Keeping
Investigators found evidence that Kalra ran a “pill mill” where medications, particularly opioids, were prescribed without proper medical justification. His practice was characterized by high-volume prescription writing and the issuance of large quantities of controlled substances with minimal patient evaluation. Court filings include documentation that his electronic medical records contained fabricated notes, with many files sharing identical, incomplete progress notes that omitted vital signs and other clinical details.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
If found guilty, Ritesh Kalra faces significant penalties. Charges related to illegal drug distribution can carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison per count, while health care fraud charges could result in up to 10 years per case. Furthermore, fines of up to $1 million may be imposed for each drug-related charge, and fines of $250,000 or more could be levied for fraud allegations.
Context and Broader Implications
The case highlights concerns regarding the abuse of medical authority and the opioid epidemic in the region. The investigation underscores the importance of oversight in medical practices, especially concerning prescriptions for controlled substances. The actions of individuals like Kalra pose serious health risks, including drug addiction, physical harm, and exploitation of vulnerable patients.
Authorities continue to pursue legal actions against Kalra, with public health officials emphasizing their commitment to dismantling illegal medical practices and protecting patients from harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for strict regulation and thorough oversight within the healthcare system to prevent similar misconduct in the future.
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Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Medical Fraud
- Hindustan Times
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra medical fraud
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
- DNA India
- Google News: Ritesh Kalra New Jersey
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
