News Summary
A 51-year-old Indian-origin physician in Secaucus, New Jersey, has been charged with unlawful opioid prescribing and sexual exploitation of patients. Dr. Ritesh Kalra is accused of issuing over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone without legitimate medical justification and engaging in sexual misconduct with female patients. The charges include illegal drug distribution and health care fraud, with potential prison sentences of up to 20 years. The case highlights serious issues regarding medical authority misuse and patient exploitation.
Secaucus, New Jersey — Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Unlawful Opioid Prescribing and Patient Exploitation
A 51-year-old physician of Indian origin based in Secaucus, New Jersey, has been formally charged with multiple federal crimes related to unlawful prescribing of opioids and the sexual exploitation of patients. The case highlights serious allegations of medical misconduct, abuse of authority, and health care fraud involving the doctor, identified as Dr. Ritesh Kalra.
Allegations of Unlawful Prescribing of Opioids
Prosecutors allege that Kalra unlawfully issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025, with no legitimate medical basis for these prescriptions. The sheer volume of prescriptions suggests a pattern of prescribing that exceeds normal medical practice, raising concerns about the motivations behind these prescriptions. Kalra is accused of exploiting his medical license to facilitate drug distribution, allegedly fueling addiction among vulnerable individuals.
Sexual Exploitation and Patient Abuse
In addition to drug-related charges, Kalra faces serious accusations of sexual misconduct involving patients. Prosecutors allege that he demanded sexual favors, including oral sex, from female patients in exchange for continued access to opioid prescriptions. One patient claims she was coerced into anal sex during a medical appointment, highlighting the severity of the allegations.
Further, it is reported that Kalra prescribed opioids to certain patients while they were incarcerated, including an instance involving a patient held at Essex County Correctional Facility, despite there being no communication or medical consultation between the patient and the doctor during that period.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Kalra has been indicted on five federal charges: three counts for illegal drug distribution and two counts of health care fraud. Each count of illegal drug distribution carries the potential for a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The health care fraud charges, which include billing for appointments that did not actually occur or fabricating medical records, could result in up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines.
Following a recent court hearing, Kalra was placed under home detention with an unsecured $100,000 bond. His medical license has also been suspended as a result of the allegations, effectively preventing him from practicing medicine in New Jersey or elsewhere.
Investigation Findings and Evidence
Investigators uncovered electronic medical records containing fabricated progress notes that were identical across different patient files and lacked vital sign documentation. Additionally, evidence indicates Kalra engaged in health care fraud by billing insurers for ghost appointments—a practice where claims are submitted for visits that did not occur.
Statements and Public Response
An attorney representing the government has emphasized the doctor’s abuse of his professional position, noting that Kalra exploited his license to perpetuate addiction and commit fraud against public healthcare programs. The FBI is actively seeking information from the public and urges victims or anyone with relevant details to come forward to assist with ongoing investigations.
Background and Context
This case underscores ongoing concerns about the misuse of medical authority and prescription practices, particularly with opioid medications known for their addictive potential. It also highlights issues related to patient exploitation and healthcare fraud, which continue to be significant challenges for law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and across the United States.
As the legal process continues, authorities aim to hold Kalra accountable and ensure justice for victims, while reinforcing the importance of ethical medical conduct and robust oversight to prevent similar cases in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charges Against New Jersey Doctor Ritesh Kalra
Indian-Origin Doctor Faces Criminal Charges for Medical Fraud
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Abuse
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
Newark Doctor Charged with Opioid Crimes and Patient Abuse
Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic in the United States
- Times of India
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Hindustan Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Fraud
- MSN
- Google News: Medical Fraud
- Hudson County View
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