News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a doctor from Secaucus, faces serious charges including medical fraud, sexual exploitation, and illegal distribution of opioids. Accused of taking advantage of patients and defrauding Medicaid, Kalra’s prescription practices and alleged sexual misconduct have raised major concerns about ethics in healthcare. He has been placed under home arrest, and his medical license is suspended as investigations continue, potentially leading to severe legal penalties.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old Indian-origin doctor residing in Secaucus, has been charged with serious medical fraud, sexual exploitation, and illegal distribution of opioid medications. The charges center around numerous allegations that Kalra abused his position as a medical professional to exploit vulnerable patients and manipulate state healthcare programs.
Kalra faces multiple counts of distributing controlled substances, specifically opioid drugs like oxycodone, without valid medical justification. In addition to these drug-related charges, he is accused of demanding sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions. Investigators found evidence that he billed New Jersey’s Medicaid program for nonexistent appointments, perpetrating a scheme that defrauded the state of substantial funds.
At a recent court hearing, a judge ordered Kalra to remain under home arrest while the case is pending. His medical license has been suspended, bars him from practicing medicine or prescribing medications, and he has been instructed to shut down his medical practice. These measures were implemented in light of the serious nature of the allegations against him.
In the course of the investigation, former employees and patients reported multiple instances of sexual harassment involving Kalra. These allegations include unwanted sexual touching and demands for oral sex in exchange for opioid prescriptions. Specifically, one patient detailed experiences of sexual assault during clinical appointments, including forced anal sex. Moreover, it was revealed that Kalra continued to prescribe opioids to another patient while they were incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, despite the patient having no legitimate medical contact with him during that time.
According to court findings, between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued an alarming total of over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone. This staggering volume of prescriptions has raised serious concerns regarding both drug misuse and patient safety. US Attorney Alina Habba characterized Kalra’s actions as an abuse of his medical authority, asserting that he exploited patients’ vulnerabilities, fueled addiction, and defrauded government healthcare programs.
Further complicating the case, Kalra allegedly fabricated progress notes and billed for appointments that never occurred, a practice referred to as billing for ghost appointments in his electronic records. This type of fraudulent behavior has raised additional questions regarding oversight and accountability in the healthcare system.
If convicted of the charges filed against him, Ritesh Kalra could face severe legal penalties. These penalties include up to 20 years in prison for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for each count of healthcare fraud. Additionally, he could face significant financial repercussions, with potential fines soaring up to $1 million for each drug charge and at least $250,000 for each charge of fraud.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively investigating this case, and they have encouraged any individuals who may have been victimized by Kalra’s alleged actions to come forward. The significant implications of this case highlight not only the potential for extensive criminal behavior within the medical field but also the broader concern regarding patient safety and ethical standards in healthcare practices.
The allegations against Kalra continue to develop as investigators pursue further evidence. Observers are closely watching this case, as its outcome may prompt discussions about regulatory and enforcement measures within the healthcare industry to prevent similar abuses in the future.
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Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic
- Hindustan Times
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra medical fraud
- Hudson County View
- Google Scholar: Ritesh Kalra case
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: medical fraud
- LiveMint
- Google News: sexual assault in medical practice
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, 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 state 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
