News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old doctor of Indian descent, is facing serious charges including medical fraud, sexual exploitation, and illegal distribution of opioids. He allegedly prescribed opioids without justification and demanded sexual favors from patients. Furthermore, Kalra’s practice came under fire for fraudulent billing, with Medicaid charged for non-existent appointments. Following a court hearing, his medical license has been suspended and he is under home arrest as investigations continue. The case raises critical questions about medical ethics and patient exploitation within the healthcare system.
Secaucus, New Jersey – A 51-year-old Indian-origin doctor, Ritesh Kalra, has been charged with multiple counts of medical fraud, sexual exploitation, and the illegal distribution of opioid drugs without a legitimate medical reason. The charges, which encompass serious allegations of misconduct, threaten his medical career and could lead to substantial prison time if he is convicted.
Kalra has been accused of prescribing opioids, specifically oxycodone, to patients without appropriate medical justification. Additionally, it is alleged that he demanded sexual favors from some patients in exchange for the prescriptions. He is also under scrutiny for fraudulent billing practices, including charging New Jersey’s Medicaid program for appointments that never took place.
Following a court hearing in the United States, Kalra has been placed under home arrest. His medical license has been suspended, barring him from practicing medicine or issuing prescriptions. Furthermore, Kalra is required to close his medical practice while legal proceedings continue against him.
Numerous allegations of sexual harassment have come to light, with former employees and patients reporting incidents of sexual misconduct. Complaints detail instances of unwanted sexual touching and demands for sexual acts in return for opioid prescriptions. One patient described a troubling pattern of sexual assault during medical appointments, which included severe violations of consent. Another individual, incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility, allegedly continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra without any legitimate medical communication or examination.
Court documents reveal that between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra is reported to have issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, raising concerns about the extent of his alleged illegal activities. US Attorney Alina Habba stated that Kalra exploited his role as a physician, taking advantage of vulnerable individuals to sustain addiction and commit fraud against the state healthcare system.
Further complicating the case, Kalra is accused of fabricating progress notes and billing for appointments that did not actually occur, supporting claims of systemic fraud in his medical practice. The severity of the charges he is facing could result in hefty legal penalties. If convicted, he may face up to 20 years in prison for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for each count of healthcare fraud. Additionally, Kalra could incur financial penalties totaling up to $1 million for each drug charge and at least $250,000 for each fraud charge.
The FBI has opened an investigation into Kalra’s activities, urging anyone who may have been victimized by his actions to come forward. The case continues to unfold, drawing attention to issues surrounding medical ethics, prescription abuse, and patient exploitation in the healthcare system.
The investigation highlights ongoing concerns about opioid prescription practices and the vulnerabilities faced by patients in a medical environment. As the situation develops, authorities are committed to pursuing justice for those affected and ensuring accountability within the healthcare sector.
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Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic
- Hindustan Times
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra medical fraud
- Hudson County View
- Google Scholar: Ritesh Kalra case
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: medical fraud
- LiveMint
- Google News: sexual assault in medical practice
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
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.
