News Summary
Ritesh Kalra, a doctor from Secaucus, faces multiple charges including medical fraud, sexual exploitation, and wrongful opioid distribution. Allegations detail demands for sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions and fraudulent billing practices. His medical license is suspended, and he is under home arrest. Investigations continue as authorities highlight the troubling implications of his actions on patient safety and the healthcare system.
Secaucus, New Jersey – Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old doctor of Indian origin, has been charged with multiple counts of medical fraud, sexual exploitation, and the distribution of opioids without a valid medical reason. Residing in Secaucus, Kalra now faces serious allegations that could lead to significant legal penalties if found guilty.
The charges against Kalra include distributing opioid drugs such as oxycodone without a valid medical justification and demanding sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions. In addition, he is accused of billing New Jersey’s Medicaid program for appointments that never occurred, effectively defrauding the state.
Following a court hearing, Kalra has been placed under home arrest and is no longer permitted to practice medicine or prescribe medications, as his medical license has been suspended. He is also required to shut down his medical practice while the case is ongoing.
Allegations against Kalra extend beyond fraud to include multiple instances of sexual harassment reported by former patients and employees. Accusations detail sexual touching and demands for oral sex in return for opioid prescriptions. One patient described being sexually assaulted on numerous occasions, including incidents of forced anal sex during clinical appointments.
Furthermore, another patient allegedly continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra while incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, despite having no medical interactions with him. Court findings revealed that from January 2019 to February 2025, Kalra issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that Kalra exploited his position as a physician to take advantage of vulnerable patients, contributing to addiction and defrauding the state. The investigation suggests that Kalra may have fabricated progress notes and billed for ghost appointments, further complicating the fraudulent activities surrounding his practice.
If convicted, Kalra could face up to 20 years in prison for each count of illegal drug distribution, as well as up to 10 years for each count of healthcare fraud. Conviction on drug charges may also result in fines of up to $1 million per count, with additional penalties for healthcare fraud charges amounting to at least $250,000 each.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has initiated a thorough investigation into Kalra’s activities, urging anyone who believes they may have been victimized by his actions to step forward and report their experiences. The ramifications of this case highlight the critical importance of ethical practices in the medical field and the ongoing efforts to combat fraudulent behavior in healthcare.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities present within the healthcare system, particularly in relation to the prescribing of controlled substances. The community and local authorities remain vigilant as they monitor the proceedings against Kalra, anticipating further developments in what has become a highly publicized episode involving serious criminal allegations.
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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
