News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, an internist in Secaucus and Fair Lawn, has been charged in a federal investigation for medical malpractice and opioid abuse, including exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and submitting false Medicaid claims. He faces severe penalties, including potential prison time. The case highlights serious concerns about opioid distribution and healthcare fraud in New Jersey.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old internist operating in Secaucus and Fair Lawn, has been charged in a federal investigation targeting medical malpractice and opioid abuse. He is accused of distributing controlled substances in exchange for sexual favors and defrauding New Jersey’s Medicaid program through false medical billing practices.
Federal prosecutors allege that between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra wrote more than 31,000 prescriptions for potent opioids, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, often without legitimate medical justification. The investigation revealed that he was the highest prescriber of these drugs in New Jersey during this time frame, raising significant concerns about his medical practices.
Evidence suggests that Kalra exploited vulnerable patients by providing opioids in return for sexual acts, which included both oral and anal sex. Reports indicate that some female patients were coerced into performing sexual favors to receive their prescriptions, sometimes while under the influence of drugs. One case detailed in the investigation involved a woman who claimed she received a prescription after complying with Kalra’s sexual demands in a locked examination room.
In addition to the distribution of opioids, Kalra faces allegations of submitting false Medicaid claims for non-existent medical appointments. Reports indicate that he often used copied and pasted patient notes containing fabricated vital signs. Some of the claims were even submitted for individuals who were incarcerated at the time they were supposedly treated.
Kalra was arrested on July 18 and subsequently appeared in federal court in Newark, where he faces five charges: three counts of illegal distribution of controlled substances and two counts of healthcare fraud. Following his arrest, he was released under home incarceration with a $100,000 unsecured bond. As part of his release conditions, he is prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medications.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger expressed serious concerns over Kalra’s actions, criticizing him for using his medical license to take advantage of patients grappling with addiction instead of offering them the care they needed. If convicted on the distribution charges, Kalra faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, along with a $1 million fine for each count. Additionally, he could receive up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine for each healthcare fraud charge.
This case is part of a broader federal initiative that has led to charges against 324 individuals across the United States, including nearly 100 licensed medical professionals. These schemes have resulted in over $14.6 billion in intended losses, highlighting the extent of healthcare fraud in the nation. The investigation into Kalra’s practices is ongoing, with involvement from the FBI, DEA, and the Department of Health and Human Services, alongside local authorities.
Klara’s medical license has been suspended as a result of the charges, and both of his clinics are now closed. Authorities are actively encouraging anyone who may have information about the case or who believes they might be a victim to contact federal law enforcement agencies.
The ongoing issues surrounding opioid distribution and healthcare fraud continue to raise alarms concerning patient safety and the integrity of the medical profession in New Jersey and beyond.
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Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud in New Jersey
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Patient Exploitation
Additional Resources
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Opioid Epidemic
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Malpractice
- India West
- Google News: Healthcare Fraud
- NDTV
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
