"he instead used them for his sexual gratification"
A US Indian doctor has been charged with serious medical fraud, illegal distribution of opioids, and soliciting sexual favours from patients in exchange for prescriptions.
Ritesh Kalra, of New Jersey, was charged with three counts of illegal opioid distribution and two counts of healthcare fraud.
He made his initial court appearance before US Magistrate Judge André M Espinosa in Newark and was released on home incarceration and a $100,000 unsecured bond.
The doctor has been barred from practising medicine and prescribing medication while the case is ongoing.
Announcing the charges, US Attorney Alina Habba said:
“Physicians hold a position of profound responsibility but as alleged, Dr Kalra used that position to fuel addiction, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jersey’s public healthcare programme.
“By allegedly exchanging prescriptions for sexual favours and billing Medicaid for ghost appointments, he not only violated the law but endangered lives.
“Our Office will continue to pursue those who turn their medical licenses into tools for personal gain and sexual gratification.”
Kalra, an internist based in Fair Lawn, is accused of operating what authorities described as a “pill mill”.
Prosecutors allege that from January 2019 to February 2025, he wrote over 31,000 prescriptions for opioids such as oxycodone, including days when he issued more than 50 in one sitting.
Investigators say he routinely prescribed high-dose opioids and promethazine with codeine without any legitimate medical reason.
Former clinic employees and patients have given disturbing accounts of Kalra’s conduct.
Several women claimed Kalra demanded oral sex and other sexual favours in return for opioid prescriptions.
One woman alleged she was sexually assaulted on multiple occasions, including being forced into “anal sex during clinical visits”.
Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI said: “When we seek medical advice and treatment from doctors, we have to assume they have our best interests in mind.
“This investigation, conducted by the FBI and our partners, illustrates that Dr Kalra had little regard for actually taking care of his patients.
“As alleged, he instead used them for his sexual gratification and, in the process, defrauded the state of New Jersey.
“A patient’s relationship and trust in a physician, while at their most vulnerable, is not something to be exploited for personal gain.
“We are asking anyone who may be a victim or knows someone who was treated by Dr Kalra to get in touch with our office at 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
Kalra also faces allegations of healthcare fraud for billing Medicaid for in-person visits and counselling sessions that never took place.
Prosecutors claim his electronic records included fabricated progress notes and recycled examination entries that often failed to record vital signs.
Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino of the DEA described the case as a betrayal of professional duty during a time of national crisis.
He said: “In the fight against the opioid crisis, we often witness the painful struggles of those battling addiction.
“Rather than offering help, Dr Kalra exploited his victims at their most vulnerable, using opioids as leverage in exchange for sexual favours, further deepening their addiction and worsening the crisis.
“The DEA will continue to work with our partners in making sure those who abuse their professional oath are held accountable.”
Naomi Gruchacz of the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General said Kalra’s alleged actions represent a dangerous abuse of trust.
She said: “Physicians who recklessly and illegitimately distribute controlled substances undermine critical efforts to battle the opioid crisis and betray their professional responsibility to serve the health and well-being of the public.
“As alleged, Dr Kalra took advantage of individuals struggling with addiction all for his own personal gratification.
“HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to address such abuse to protect patients, communities, and taxpayers from such dangerous conduct.”
Each opioid distribution charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The two healthcare fraud charges are each punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the financial gain or loss caused.
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