News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a physician in Newark, faces serious charges involving medical fraud, illegal opioid distribution, and patient exploitation. Allegations include operating a ‘pill mill’ and soliciting sexual favors from patients in return for prescriptions. He has been charged with five federal offenses and may face significant prison time and financial penalties. Kalra is currently under home arrest and prohibited from practicing medicine as legal proceedings unfold. This case highlights the critical need for regulatory oversight of medical practitioners to prevent patient exploitation.
Newark, New Jersey: Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Patient Exploitation
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician of Indian origin, was charged in Newark, New Jersey, for multiple offenses related to medical fraud and the illegal distribution of opioids. The U.S. Attorney’s office has accused Kalra of operating a “pill mill,” where he allegedly wrote over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone without a legitimate medical purpose between January 2019 and February 2025.
Among the serious allegations against him are accusations of soliciting sexual favors from female patients in exchange for these opioid prescriptions. Reports indicate that Kalra demanded oral sex and other sexual acts from patients, and one woman has accused him of sexual assault during a clinical appointment.
In addition to the sexual exploitation claims, Kalra is facing accusations of fraudulent billing practices. He allegedly billed New Jersey Medicaid for consultations and counseling sessions that did not occur, creating fabricated progress notes with identical content for multiple patients while failing to record basic vital signs.
Underlining the severity of the situation, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that Kalra’s actions contributed to the opioid addiction crisis and exploited vulnerable individuals in his care. The authorities emphasized that medical professionals are expected to uphold a high standard of ethics and are held accountable for abusing their licenses.
Legal Charges and Potential Consequences
Ritesh Kalra faces five federal charges: three related to illegal drug distribution and two concerning health care fraud. If convicted, he could face significant prison time, with each count of drug distribution carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years. The health care fraud charges could lead to up to 10 years in prison.
In addition to facing incarceration, he may also incur substantial fines. The potential financial penalties include up to $1 million for each drug charge and $250,000 or more for each fraud charge, illustrating the financial repercussions of his alleged actions.
Restrictions and Current Status
As the legal proceedings unfold, Kalra has been placed under home arrest. He is prohibited from practicing medicine and prescribing any medications. In line with these restrictions, he is required to close his medical practice while the case is being resolved.
Background Information
The situation with Kalra shines a light on the troubling misuse of medical licenses, where individuals in trusted positions exploit their authority for personal gain. The term “pill mill” has been used to describe Kalra’s clinic, reflecting a facility that focuses on the illicit distribution of prescription medications rather than providing legitimate medical care.
Between January and February 2025, Kalra reportedly wrote more than 50 prescriptions on some days, raising red flags about the nature of his medical practice. Notably, there were instances where he continued to issue opioid prescriptions for a patient who was incarcerated, which further indicates potential violations of legal and ethical medical practices.
Several former employees have come forward, stating that complaints from female patients regarding sexual misconduct were common during Kalra’s tenure. This alarming pattern suggests a broader issue of predatory behavior within the medical profession that must be addressed rigorously.
This case emphasizes the critical need for continuous monitoring and regulation of medical practitioners to protect patients from exploitation and ensure that the healthcare system operates fairly and ethically.
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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.
