News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician from Newton, faces serious criminal charges involving medical fraud, sexual misconduct, and illicit opioid distribution. Allegations include the submission of fraudulent medical bills to Medicaid and inappropriate behavior towards female patients. Kalra is accused of operating a ‘pill mill,’ engaging in overprescribing practices and fabricating medical records to cover his actions. Currently under home arrest, he faces significant penalties if convicted, including lengthy prison sentences and financial fines.
Newton, New Jersey – Doctor Ritesh Kalra Faces Serious Criminal Charges
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician practicing in Newton, New Jersey, has been formally charged with multiple criminal offenses related to medical fraud, sexual misconduct, and the illegal distribution of opioids. These charges accuse Kalra of abusing his medical license to carry out a pattern of criminal activity over several years, significantly endangering patient safety and public health.
Key Allegations and Criminal Counts
Medical fraud, including the submission of fraudulent bills to New Jersey Medicaid, forms a central part of the case. Investigators allege that Kalra submitted ghost bills—claims for medical visits that never transpired—resulting in substantial financial loss to the state’s healthcare program. It is also claimed that he prescribed opioids and other controlled substances without legitimate medical purposes or proper documentation.
Specifically, Kalra is accused of distributing high-dose opioids such as oxycodone and promethazine with codeine in a manner inconsistent with standard medical practices. Court documents reveal that between January 2019 and February 2025, he issued over 31,000 prescriptions, including more than 50 prescriptions in a single day, raising significant concerns about overprescription and potential contribution to substance abuse issues.
Sexual Misconduct and Exploitation
In addition to fraudulent prescription practices, Kalra faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving female patients. Multiple reports from former employees indicate that he repeatedly touched female patients sexually without their consent and solicited sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions of opioids. One patient has alleged being assaulted multiple times during appointments, including being forced into anal sex, with these incidents occurring over an extended period.
Prosecutors detail that Kalra solicited sexual favors from female patients, offering prescriptions in return. These allegations underscore a pattern of exploiting vulnerable patients for personal gain, beyond the misuse of medical authority.
Operational “Pill Mill” and Continuing Prescription Practices
The investigation indicates that Kalra operated a so-called “pill mill” out of his medical practice located in Fair Lawn. His clinic was reportedly prescribing large quantities of opioids with little regard for medical necessity. An alarming detail of the case is that he continued to prescribe medication to an incarcerated patient at Essex County Correctional Facility despite having no medical contact or examination with the patient.
Evidence and Documentation of Crimes
Electronic medical records obtained during the investigation show that Kalra’s notes contained fabricated progress reports. These notes were consistent across multiple patient files and lacked essential details such as vital signs and accurate medical histories. Investigators note that this deliberate falsification was intended to obscure the lack of genuine medical assessments.
Legal Proceedings and Restrictions
Kalra is currently under home arrest. He has been prohibited from practicing medicine and prescribing any medications during the course of legal proceedings. Additionally, as part of court orders, he must cease operating his medical practice until the case is resolved.
Potential Penalties and Sentencing
If convicted on the multiple counts of drug distribution, health care fraud, and sexual assault, Kalra faces substantial penalties. Each illegal drug distribution count could result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, while health care fraud charges carry a potential sentence of up to 10 years. Financial penalties could also be imposed, with fines reaching up to $1 million per drug-related charge and at least $250,000 for each count of fraud.
Implications and Broader Context
The charges against Dr. Ritesh Kalra highlight serious concerns about medical misconduct, prescription drug abuse, and exploitation within healthcare. The case emphasizes the importance of regulatory oversight and the need for vigilance against abuse of medical authority, particularly involving controlled substances like opioids which have been central to ongoing public health challenges.
While the legal process unfolds, authorities continue to investigate potential additional victims and related misconduct allegations, signaling ongoing efforts to address abusive practices and safeguard patient welfare in New Jersey and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Medical Fraud
- Hindustan Times
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra medical fraud
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
- DNA India
- Google News: Ritesh Kalra New Jersey
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