News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, an internist in Secaucus, has been charged with orchestrating a fraudulent opioid distribution scheme involving sexual favors. Over 31,000 prescriptions were written without justification, raising serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable patients. Kalra also faces accusations of submitting false claims to Medicaid for non-existent medical services. He is currently under home incarceration, with potential prison sentences looming if convicted. This case reflects ongoing issues in the healthcare sector and highlights the urgent need for accountability.
Secaucus, New Jersey — Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Medicaid Fraud
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist practicing in Secaucus and Fair Lawn, New Jersey, has been charged in a federal investigation targeting medical malpractice and opioid abuse. Kalra is accused of running an illicit operation where he distributed controlled substances in exchange for sexual favors and defrauded New Jersey’s Medicaid program through fraudulent billing practices.
Federal prosecutors allege that between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra wrote over 31,000 prescriptions for opioids, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, often without legitimate medical justification. Throughout this time frame, he was identified as the top prescriber of these medications in New Jersey. Evidence suggests that Kalra manipulated vulnerable patients, frequently issuing prescriptions contingent upon them engaging in sexual acts, such as oral and anal sex.
Several female patients reported that Kalra mandated sexual favors for prescriptions, sometimes when they were under the influence. In one case, a woman stated that she received a prescription after complying with his demands in a locked examination room. Such accounts underscore the serious nature of the allegations against Kalra, illustrating how he exploited individuals in distress.
Alongside the opioid distribution charges, Kalra faces allegations of healthcare fraud. He is accused of submitting false claims to New Jersey’s Medicaid program for medical services that did not occur, often using fabricated patient notes that included copied vital signs. Notably, some claims were made for patients who were incarcerated at the time they supposedly received medical care.
Kalra was arrested on July 18 and brought before a federal court in Newark, facing five charges: three related to the illegal distribution of controlled substances and two for healthcare fraud. Following his arrest, he was released under home incarceration, with a $100,000 unsecured bond, and is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medications.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger condemned Kalra’s actions, emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved in exploiting patients struggling with addiction instead of offering them proper care. The consequences for Kalra could be severe; if convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each drug distribution offense, as well as up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each fraud charge.
This case is part of a broader federal initiative that has unveiled a total of 324 individuals involved in healthcare fraud schemes across the U.S., including nearly 100 licensed medical professionals. These schemes have reportedly resulted in over $14.6 billion in intended losses, raising alarms about the integrity of healthcare services.
The investigation into Dr. Kalra continues, with an ongoing collaboration involving the FBI, DEA, Department of Health and Human Services, and state authorities. As part of the response to this case, Kalra’s medical license has been suspended, and his clinics have been closed. Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have been a victim or possesses pertinent information to contact federal law enforcement.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges and risks associated with opioid prescriptions and the critical need for accountability in the healthcare field. The ramifications of this case extend beyond Kalra, signaling a warning to others involved in similar illicit activities.
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Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Opioid Epidemic
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Malpractice
- India West
- Google News: Healthcare Fraud
- NDTV
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.
