A New Jersey-based Indian-origin physician, Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51, has been charged with multiple counts of medical fraud and sexual assault involving female patients. Federal authorities allege that Kalra distributed opioid medications without legitimate medical reasons, solicited sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions, and defrauded New Jersey’s Medicaid program by billing for appointments that never took place.
Dr. Kalra is currently under home arrest and has been barred from practicing medicine or prescribing medications. He has also been ordered to shut down his medical practice while legal proceedings are underway.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, several former employees of Kalra’s practice came forward with serious allegations. Female patients reportedly complained that Kalra sexually assaulted them during medical appointments and coerced them into providing sexual favors—including oral and anal sex—in return for opioid prescriptions. One of the alleged victims stated that she was assaulted on multiple occasions.
Investigators also discovered that Kalra continued to prescribe opioids to a patient even while the individual was incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility and had no contact with him. Additionally, Kalra is accused of billing for in-person visits and therapy sessions that never occurred, further defrauding Medicaid.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba condemned the alleged actions, stating, “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 program.”
She emphasized the broader danger, saying, “By exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors 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.”
The investigation is ongoing, and Kalra will remain under strict legal restrictions until the case is resolved in court.