An abstract representation highlighting the intersection of medical ethics and legality.
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a Secaucus-based physician of Indian origin, faces serious federal charges including unlawful opioid prescribing and sexual exploitation. Allegations suggest he misused his medical authority, issuing over 31,000 prescriptions without proper justification while also soliciting sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions. The case raises alarming concerns regarding patient safety and healthcare fraud, showcasing the ongoing opioid epidemic in the U.S. Kalra has been placed under home detention with his medical license suspended as investigations continue.
The United States authorities have charged Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician of Indian origin residing in Secaucus, New Jersey, with multiple serious federal crimes including unlawful opioid prescribing, health care fraud, and sexual exploitation of patients. The case highlights concerns over abuse of medical authority and the opioid epidemic affecting many communities.
Following a recent court hearing, Dr. Kalra has been placed under home detention with an unsecured bond of $100,000. His medical license has been suspended as a result of the allegations. Prosecutors accuse him of leveraging his position as a healthcare provider to exploit patients, especially those suffering from addiction, by issuing excessive prescriptions for opioids without legitimate medical justification.
Specifically, Dr. Kalra is alleged to have issued > 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025. These prescriptions reportedly lacked proper medical necessity, raising concerns about abuse and diversion of potent narcotics. The authorities emphasize that these actions contributed to the ongoing public health crisis related to opioid misuse.
In addition to drug distribution, Dr. Kalra faces serious accusations of sexual misconduct. Prosecutors allege that he solicited sexual favors, including oral sex, from female patients in exchange for prescriptions for opioids. One female patient reported that she was coerced into engaging in anal sex during a medical appointment, raising grave concerns about patient safety and misconduct.
Another patient revealed that Dr. Kalra prescribed opioids while the individual was incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility. The patient stated there was no communication between them at that time, suggesting potential fraudulent or improper prescribing practices.
The indictment also includes allegations of health care fraud. Investigators found evidence of billing for ghost appointments, which are visits that never took place. Court documents reveal that Dr. Kalra’s electronic medical records contained fabricated progress notes with identical content across different patient files and lacked essential data such as vital signs. These irregularities point to deliberate attempts to conceal fraudulent billing and unlawful activity.
Dr. Kalra faces five federal charges: three related to illegal drug distribution and two linked to health care fraud. Each drug distribution count could result in a maximum 20-year prison sentence, while each health care fraud count could lead to up to 10 years in prison and significant fines. The case continues to be investigated by federal authorities, including the FBI.
The FBI has issued a call for any individuals who may have been victims or who have relevant information related to Dr. Kalra’s activities to come forward. Authorities emphasize the importance of community cooperation in ensuring justice and addressing the abuses committed by the physician.
Dr. Ritesh Kalra’s case underscores larger issues within the healthcare system, including concerns over prescription drug abuse and the exploitation of vulnerable patients. State and federal officials are working to strengthen oversight and prevent similar misconduct by healthcare providers in the future. The suspension of his medical license reflects regulatory efforts to maintain professional standards and protect patient safety amid ongoing investigations.
New Jersey Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Assault
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Misconduct
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Abuse
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
Local Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Misconduct
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