Indian-Origin Doctor Charged With Opioid Distribution and Misconduct

A depiction highlighting the importance of ethical medical practices in healthcare.

News Summary

Dr. Ritesh Kalra has been charged with multiple offenses, including opioid distribution, medical fraud, and sexual exploitation of patients. Authorities accuse him of running a ‘pill mill,’ issuing tens of thousands of prescriptions without medical justification and soliciting sexual favors from patients. The case raises serious concerns about medical ethics and patient safety, prompting calls for accountability within the healthcare system. Kalra faces significant prison time if convicted and has been placed under home arrest, barred from practicing medicine during legal proceedings.

Newark, New Jersey – An Indian-origin doctor, Ritesh Kalra, 51, has been charged with multiple offenses, including opioid distribution, medical fraud, and sexual exploitation of patients. Authorities have accused Kalra of running a “pill mill” where he allegedly distributed opioids, such as oxycodone, without a legitimate medical reason. This case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the charges and the allegations regarding sexual misconduct.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Kalra reportedly issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025, which indicates a troubling pattern of behavior. On certain days, it is reported that he wrote more than 50 prescriptions. Allegations against him further include soliciting sexual favors from female patients in exchange for these opioid prescriptions, contributing to a dangerous environment for vulnerable individuals seeking medical help.

Former employees of Kalra’s clinic revealed that numerous female patients had complained of being sexually touched by the doctor. Reports suggest that he allegedly demanded not only oral sex but also other sexual acts from patients as a condition for receiving prescriptions. One alarming accusation describes an instance of sexual assault during a clinical appointment, where a patient claimed she was subjected to forced anal sex.

In addition to the sexual exploitation allegations, Kalra is also accused of unethical and illegal practices regarding opioid prescriptions. Notably, he continued issuing prescriptions for a patient who was incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility. Furthermore, he is charged with billing New Jersey Medicaid for consultations that never occurred, with evidence showing fabricated progress notes containing identical content for different patients and a lack of recorded vital signs.

U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the responsibility of health professionals in ensuring patient safety and condemned Kalra’s actions for contributing to addiction and compromising the integrity of the healthcare system. In light of these charges, Kalra has been placed under home arrest, prohibited from practicing medicine or prescribing medication during the ongoing legal proceedings. His medical practice must also cease operations while the case is being processed.

Kalra is facing five federal charges in total—three charges for illegal drug distribution and two for healthcare fraud. Should he be found guilty, he faces significant penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for each drug distribution charge and up to 10 years for each fraud charge. The potential fines associated with these charges may reach as high as $1 million for each drug-related count and $250,000 or more for each fraud-related count.

This case highlights serious concerns about the misuse of medical licenses and how they can be exploited for personal gain and gratification. Authorities are taking a strong stance against such misconduct, underscoring the importance of ethical practices within the medical profession to protect public health and safety. As the legal process unfolds, the community remains vigilant in expecting accountability and justice for the serious offenses attributed to Kalra.