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Indian-origin doctor in New Jersey faces opioid and fraud charges
Ritesh Kalra allegedly turned his medical office into a pill mill, demanding sex from patients and submitting false Medicaid claims.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sat, 19, Jul 2025
- 23:34 EDT
- 13
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Stock image. / Pexels
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old doctor of Indian origin based in Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with distributing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose, soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions, and defrauding the state’s Medicaid program. The charges were announced July 18 by U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba.
Kalra, an internist who practiced in Fair Lawn, was arrested on a five-count complaint and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. He was released on home incarceration with an unsecured $100,000 bond. He has been barred from practicing medicine and will be required to shut down his medical office pending the outcome of the case.
“Physicians hold a position of profound responsibility—but as alleged, Dr. Kalra used that position to fuel addiction, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jersey’s public healthcare program,” said U.S. Attorney Habba. “By allegedly exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and billing Medicaid for ghost appointments, he not only violated the law but endangered lives.”
Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra is accused of writing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, often without any legitimate medical need. On some days, he allegedly issued more than 50 prescriptions.
Prosecutors say several former staff members reported patient complaints of sexual misconduct, including demands for oral sex and allegations of rape during clinical visits. One patient said she was sexually assaulted multiple times. Another reportedly received prescriptions while incarcerated, despite having no contact with Kalra during that period.
Authorities also allege that Kalra submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid, billing for in-person visits and therapy sessions that never occurred. The investigation found that Kalra’s electronic medical records included fabricated progress notes and identical examination entries that lacked basic patient information like vital signs.
“When we seek medical advice and treatment from doctors, we have to assume they have our best interests in mind,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “This investigation illustrates that Dr. Kalra had little regard for actually taking care of his patients. He instead used them for his sexual gratification and defrauded the state of New Jersey.”
Each count of illegal opioid distribution carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Each health care fraud count could lead to up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or double the gain or loss from the offense.
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