News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a doctor from Secaucus, faces multiple charges for allegedly prescribing opioids in exchange for sexual favors. He has been accused of operating a pill mill and healthcare fraud, leading to serious legal consequences. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasizes the impact of these actions on vulnerable patients and the broader healthcare system, underscoring the risks associated with the ongoing opioid crisis. As the case progresses, it raises important questions about ethics and patient safety in medical practice.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Fraud
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old doctor of Indian origin from Secaucus, New Jersey, faces serious legal charges for allegedly prescribing opioids in exchange for sexual favors from patients. The accusations against Kalra include a five-count complaint featuring three counts related to distributing opioids outside the traditional scope of medical practice and two counts of healthcare fraud.
Kalra made his initial court appearance on Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. Following the hearing, he was released under strict conditions, including home incarceration and an unsecured $100,000 bond. Furthermore, he has been prohibited from practicing medicine and prescribing any medications, leading to the closure of his medical practice as the case unfolds.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey has underscored the gravity of the situation, indicating that Kalra exploited vulnerable patients for sexual acts and defrauded the public healthcare system. Investigators accuse him of running a pill mill from his medical office in Fair Lawn, where he is believed to have inappropriately prescribed high doses of opioids—such as oxycodone and promethazine with codeine—without any legitimate medical justification.
From January 2019 to February 2025, Kalra allegedly issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, with reports suggesting he wrote more than 50 prescriptions in a single day. Accounts from several former employees point to troubling allegations, stating that numerous female patients reported incidents of sexual misconduct by Kalra, claiming he coerced them into sexual acts to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances.
A particularly distressing claim involves a patient who alleges that Kalra sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions during clinical appointments, including acts of forced anal sex. These allegations form part of the broader investigation into his medical practice and the treatment of his patients.
In addition to the sexual misconduct accusations, Kalra is also charged with Medicaid fraud for billing the program for visits and counseling sessions that never took place. Reports indicate that his electronic medical records included false progress notes and fabricated service dates, with exam notes appearing repetitive and deficient in critical vital signs documentation.
The gravity of the charges could result in severe penalties. Each count of distributing controlled substances carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Meanwhile, each count of healthcare fraud could invoke a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the financial gain or loss resulting from the offense.
Kalra’s attorney has categorically denied the allegations, referring to them as unfounded and inflammatory, and has compared the nature of the government’s press release to that of a supermarket tabloid.
This case brings significant attention to the ongoing opioid epidemic and highlights the risks posed by healthcare professionals exploiting patients battling addiction. As the healthcare community continues to confront the challenges of opioid prescriptions and their misuse, this legal proceeding against Dr. Kalra may serve as a crucial example of the complex interplay between medical practice and ethical responsibilities in the realm of patient care.
As the legal proceedings progress, the implications of this case resonate beyond the courtroom, touching on widespread concerns about patient safety, the ethical conduct of medical practitioners, and the broader impact of the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Faces Charges for Prescribing Opioids for Favors
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Opioid Misconduct
Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Sexual Assault in New Jersey
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Abuse
New Jersey Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Abuse
New Jersey Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Patient Exploitation in Newark
Additional Resources
- MSN News
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Deccan Herald
- Google Scholar: Healthcare Fraud
- NJ.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual exploitation
- WPG Talk Radio
- Google News: Ritesh Kalra Doctor
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.
