News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist in New Jersey, is facing serious charges for allegedly running a pill mill that prescribed opioids in exchange for sexual favors. He is accused of writing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone and defrauding Medicaid. Kalra has been placed under house arrest and faces lengthy prison time if convicted. The case raises concerns about prescription drug abuse and healthcare fraud, highlighting the need for stricter regulations in the medical profession.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist of Indian descent, is facing serious charges for allegedly operating a “pill mill” where opioids were illegally prescribed in exchange for sexual favors. The U.S. Attorney’s office has filed a five-count complaint against Kalra, which includes three counts of unauthorized distribution of opioids and two counts of healthcare fraud.
According to the allegations, Kalra wrote more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025. His prescribing practices raised significant red flags, with reports indicating he wrote as many as 50 prescriptions in a single day. The prescriptions also included high-dose opioids, as well as promethazine with codeine, both of which carry a high potential for addiction and misuse. The U.S. Attorney’s office contends that Kalra’s medical practice lacked any legitimate medical justification for the prescriptions issued.
In addition to the drug distribution allegations, Kalra is accused of defrauding Medicaid by billing for consultations and counseling sessions that did not take place. Investigations revealed doctored medical records with identical progress notes and the absence of vital sign checks. Former employees of Kalra’s clinic provided testimony that several female patients alleged inappropriate touching and were allegedly coerced into providing sexual favors in exchange for these prescriptions. One patient has purportedly claimed to have been sexually assaulted multiple times by Kalra during her appointments.
In a concerning instance, Kalra continued to prescribe opioids to a patient who was incarcerated and had no contact with him, further emphasizing the alleged irresponsibility in his prescribing habits. Following these revelations, Kalra appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released under house arrest after posting a $100,000 unsecured bond. He has been ordered to cease practicing medicine and to close his medical clinic while the case is ongoing.
If convicted, Kalra faces significant prison time: up to 20 years for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for each count of healthcare fraud. His attorney has publicly refuted the allegations, labeling them as baseless and sensationalized.
To add to the scrutiny, historical records reveal that Kalra previously faced legal issues, including a $12,000 order to pay an employee for unpaid wages. This additional context raises further questions about the regulatory oversight of his medical practice.
The case underscores the critical issues surrounding prescription drug abuse and the manipulation of the healthcare system for personal gains. Ongoing investigations may lead to broader implications for the healthcare field, particularly concerning the need for stricter regulations regarding opioid prescriptions.
The developments in this case will be closely monitored as the legal proceedings progress, and further evidence may emerge that could impact the outcome for Dr. Ritesh Kalra.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Fraud
Doctor Faces Charges for Prescribing Opioids for Favors
Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Sexual Assault in New Jersey
New Jersey Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Abuse
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Patient Exploitation in Newark
Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Opioid crisis
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- NJ.com
- Google Scholar: medical fraud
- PIX11 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: healthcare fraud
- Times of India
- Google News: sexual exploitation in medicine
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.
