News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, an Indian-origin doctor, has been charged with unlawful opioid prescribing and sexual exploitation of patients. With over 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions issued without justification, Kalra faces serious allegations, including soliciting sexual favors for medication. His medical license has been suspended, and he is under home detention as he faces five federal charges related to drug distribution and health care fraud. The situation highlights the need for strong oversight in healthcare to protect patient safety and ethical practice.
Secaucus, New Jersey — Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old doctor of Indian origin, has been charged with unlawfully prescribing opioid medications and sexually exploiting patients who sought his medical care. The allegations, which raise serious concerns about medical ethics and patient safety, have resulted in a suspension of his medical license and the imposition of home detention following a court appearance.
Patients have accused Kalra of using his medical authority to take advantage of vulnerable individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Prosecutors claim that the doctor issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025, without legitimate medical justification. This extensive prescribing raises alarm bells regarding possible addiction and misuse of powerful opioids in New Jersey.
In addition to unlawful prescribing, Kalra is alleged to have solicited sexual favors from female patients in exchange for prescriptions. Reports indicate that one woman claimed she was forced into engaging in anal sex during a medical appointment, illustrating the extent of the alleged exploitation. Another patient stated that Kalra prescribed opioids while she was incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility, without any prior communication between them, further adding to the scrutiny surrounding his practices.
Kalra’s legal troubles deepen with accusations of health care fraud, which include billing for non-existent appointments—dubbed “ghost appointments.” Records revealed that Kalra’s electronic files contained fabricated progress notes that shared identical content across different patient files, with key medical metrics such as vital signs conspicuously missing. The deliberate falsification of patient records raises fundamental questions about the integrity of his medical practice.
As a consequence of these serious allegations, Kalra has been placed under home detention with an unsecured bond set at $100,000, limiting his ability to continue practicing medicine. He now faces five federal charges, three related to illegal drug distribution and two concerning health care fraud. Each count of illegal drug distribution could potentially result in a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while health care fraud charges could lead to up to 10 years and significant financial penalties.
Legal representatives have expressed grave concerns about the implications of Kalra’s actions, emphasizing the pivotal role physicians play in safeguarding patient health. The allegations paint a disturbing picture of a medical professional who exploited his position not only to fuel addiction among his patients but also to engage in predatory behavior, manipulating those who trusted him for sexual favors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively seeking information on the case and is urging anyone who may have been victimized by Dr. Kalra or has additional details related to his activities to come forward. The fallout from this case underscores the need for rigorous oversight within the healthcare system and highlights the vulnerabilities patients may face when trusting medical professionals.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a strong reminder of the importance of accountability in healthcare, especially concerning patient safety and ethical practice. The charges against Kalra represent grave offenses that not only violate the law but also betray the fundamental trust that forms the foundation of the doctor-patient relationship.
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HERE Resources
Physician Faces Charges for Medical Fraud and Sexual Assault
Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Sexual Exploitation
New Jersey Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud and Exploitation
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
Indian-origin Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Fraud
Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic in the United States
- Times of India
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Hindustan Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Fraud
- MSN
- Google News: Medical Fraud
- Hudson County View
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
