News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a physician in New Jersey, is facing serious allegations of soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions and committing Medicaid fraud. The state has closed his practice while investigations reveal he billed for nonexistent medical visits, issued excessive prescriptions for opioids, and engaged in inappropriate conduct. With multiple federal charges, Kalra could face significant prison time and fines. Law enforcement is urging victims to come forward as the investigation unfolds, highlighting a pressing concern regarding patient safety in healthcare practices.
New Jersey – Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician of Indian origin, has been charged with serious offenses, including soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions and committing Medicaid fraud. The allegations have prompted immediate actions, including the closure of his medical practice, currently under investigation.
Kalra is accused of defrauding New Jersey’s Medicaid system by billing for medical visits and counseling sessions that never took place. In addition to his ongoing home arrest, he faces restrictions preventing him from practicing medicine or prescribing medications.
According to multiple former employees, Kalra’s former patients raised alarms regarding inappropriate sexual conduct, including unwanted touching and demands for sexual acts to receive prescriptions. One individual has reported instances of sexual assault during clinical appointments, including coerced sexual interactions.
Further investigations revealed concerning practices surrounding his prescription habits. Kalra allegedly issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone from January 2019 to February 2025. Some days saw him writing more than 50 prescriptions, raising significant red flags due to the excessive nature of the prescriptions. Additional alarming claims include a patient who continued receiving opioid prescriptions despite being incarcerated and having no further contact with Kalra.
Kalra faces five federal charges in total, divided into three charges related to illegal drug distribution and two charges for healthcare fraud. These criminal allegations put him at risk of substantial prison time, with potential sentences reaching up to 20 years for each distribution count and up to 10 years for each count of fraud. The financial repercussions could also be severe, with fines estimated to reach $1 million for each drug distribution charge and at least $250,000 for each healthcare fraud charge.
The United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey has condemned Kalra’s alleged actions, stating that he abused the trust of vulnerable patients and contributed to the widespread opioid addiction crisis facing many communities. Investigators have reportedly discovered discrepancies in Kalra’s medical records, including fabricated progress notes and identical content among patient files that lacked essential medical details, such as vital signs.
In light of these serious allegations, law enforcement officials are urging anyone who may have been victimized by Kalra or who may have information about his practices to reach out to the FBI. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the full extent of Kalra’s illicit activities and the impact on his patients.
This situation highlights a growing concern regarding the interaction between healthcare providers and patients, particularly in fields involving prescriptions for potent medications. The allegations against Kalra are not isolated, as they reflect broader issues within medical practices that warrant vigilance and strict regulatory oversight to protect patients’ welfare.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the medical community and the public will undoubtedly keep a close watch on the developments surrounding this case and its broader implications for healthcare practices in New Jersey and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Fraud
Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Sexual Exploitation of Patients
- LiveMint
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Hindustan Times
- Google Scholar: Medical Fraud
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
