News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, an internist, is indicted for soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions, facing serious allegations of medical fraud. He allegedly distributed over 31,000 opioid prescriptions without legitimate purpose, leading to claims of sexual assault and unethical practices. The case has raised significant concerns within the medical community regarding opioid misuse and healthcare regulations in New Jersey.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Doctor Charged with Sexual Favor Solicitation and Medicaid Fraud
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist practicing in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, has been indicted on multiple charges, including soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the charges, which highlight serious allegations of medical fraud and unethical behavior in his practice.
Kalra faces a five-count Complaint that includes three counts of distributing opioids outside the usual professional course of practice, and two counts of healthcare fraud. The U.S. Attorney, Alina Habba, reported that between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra is accused of issuing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, a potent opioid linked to addiction and abuse.
Additionally, he allegedly prescribed promethazine with codeine and is accused of operating a “pill mill” from his medical office, where he distributed these controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose. Several former employees have come forward, stating that female patients reported having to provide sexual favors to obtain their prescribed medications.
One particularly disturbing allegation involves a patient who claimed to have been sexually assaulted multiple times during clinical appointments, including allegations of forced anal sex. Another incident reportedly occurred during the patient’s incarceration at the Essex County Correctional Facility, where they received opioid prescriptions.
Kalra made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court, where he was released on home incarceration after posting an unsecured bond of $100,000. While the case is under review, Kalra is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing any medications and must shut down his medical practice.
If convicted, Kalra could face severe penalties. Each count of distributing controlled substances carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and fines up to $1 million. Each count of healthcare fraud could lead to up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or double the gross profit or loss caused by his actions.
The situation has drawn attention due to the nature of the allegations, reflecting broader concerns about opioid misuse and the responsibilities of medical practitioners. Kalra has denied the allegations, expressing that the press releases surrounding his case resemble sensational tabloid news.
This is not the first legal issue faced by Kalra. In 2016, he was previously ordered to pay $12,000 in compensation for wages owed to an employee, indicating a history of questionable practices surrounding his medical and business conduct.
The ongoing case against Dr. Ritesh Kalra has raised alarm bells within the medical community, prompting discussions about the ethical obligations of healthcare providers and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar abuses. As the case unfolds, it will serve as a crucial point of reference for addressing issues surrounding opioid prescriptions and healthcare fraud in New Jersey and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic
- NDTV
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra doctor
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical ethics
- Zee News
- Google News: Medical Fraud
- Live Mint
- Google Scholar: Medical fraud and ethics
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