An Indian-origin doctor in New Jersey, Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51, is under serious scrutiny following allegations of soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions and engaging in fraudulent practices involving New Jersey Medicaid. As a result, he has been barred from practicing medicine and prescribing medication, and his medical practice has been ordered to shut down while the investigation is ongoing. Currently, Dr. Kalra is under home arrest.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, numerous former employees have come forward, stating that female patients reported incidents of sexual touching and demands for sexual acts, including oral sex, as a condition for receiving prescriptions. Disturbingly, one patient has detailed experiences of sexual assault during medical appointments, including forced acts that were both traumatic and exploitative.
Further investigations revealed that Dr. Kalra allegedly continued to prescribe opioids to a patient who was incarcerated and had not had contact with him. In addition, he is accused of billing Medicaid for counseling sessions and in-person visits that never took place, raising significant concerns about the integrity of his practice.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba expressed profound outrage over Kalra’s alleged misconduct. “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 stated. She highlighted that the exchange of prescriptions for sexual favors and the fraudulent billing practices not only violate the law but also pose a serious threat to public health.
Habba underscored the importance of trust in the doctor-patient relationship, particularly at vulnerable moments. She called for anyone who might have been affected by Dr. Kalra’s actions to come forward. Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy reiterated this call, emphasizing that the investigation conducted in collaboration with the FBI illustrates a blatant disregard for patient care. “A patient’s relationship and trust in a physician is not something to be exploited for personal gain,” she said.
If convicted, Dr. Kalra could face severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for each count of healthcare fraud. Moreover, he may be subject to fines that reach $1 million for each drug-related charge and a minimum of $250,000 for each fraud-related charge.
As this case develops, it underscores the critical importance of physician accountability and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation within the healthcare system. The allegations against Dr. Kalra serve as a stark reminder that trust in healthcare professionals must not be misplaced. The parties involved in this investigation remain committed to bringing justice to any victims and ensuring that such abuse does not continue unchallenged.
For those seeking justice or support, contacting the U.S. Attorney’s office may provide a pathway to report experiences related to Dr. Kalra’s alleged misconduct.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/indianorigin-doctor-in-us-allegedly-offered-drugs-in-exchange-for-sex-11752986269279.html
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Publish Date: 2025-07-20 10:21:00
