A New Jersey-based Indian-origin doctor is facing serious accusations of running a drug racket and exploiting vulnerable female patients. The allegations involve prescribing high-dose opioids in exchange for sexual favors, with further claims of assault and fraud.
Ran Pill Mill Through His Practice
According to a press release by the US Attorney’s Office, 51-year-old Dr. Ritesh Kalra of Secaucus allegedly operated his internal medicine practice as a pill mill, routinely prescribing powerful drugs like oxycodone and promethazine with codeine without any legitimate medical reason.
Authorities stated that between January 2019 and February 2025, Dr. Kalra issued more than 30,000 prescriptions—sometimes writing as many as 50 in a single day.
Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Patients
The press release further stated that several former staff members reported complaints by female patients. These included inappropriate touching, demands for sexual favors in exchange for prescriptions, and in one case, allegations of sexual assault involving forced anal sex during multiple clinical visits.
Officials added that Dr. Kalra even continued prescribing opioids to a patient who was in prison and had no contact with him—raising further concerns about misuse.
Fraud Charges and Medicaid Misuse
Alongside the drug-related charges, Dr. Kalra is also accused of Medicaid fraud. He allegedly billed New Jersey’s public healthcare program for fake counselling sessions and in-person visits that never occurred.
Despite having over 20 years of experience in the medical field, prosecutors said he violated professional ethics and put patients’ lives at risk for personal gain.
Strong Words from US Attorney
Condemning his alleged actions, US Attorney Alina Hiba stated,
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.US Attorney Alina Hiba
She added that his conduct, if proven, not only violated the law but also endangered lives.
Legal Proceedings Underway
If found guilty, Dr. Kalra could face a maximum of 20 years in prison for illegal drug prescriptions and 10 years for healthcare fraud. He may also be fined $1 million for each drug-related offence and $250,000 for each count of fraud.
The court has ordered him to shut down his medical practice while the case is pending. Currently under house arrest, he appeared before a US magistrate judge on Thursday in Newark federal court after posting a $100,000 unsecured bond.
His lawyer, Michael Baldassare, has denied all allegations, calling the government’s press release a “supermarket tabloid.”
What Lies Ahead
The allegations against Dr. Kalra have triggered a full-scale legal inquiry. While the investigation is ongoing, the case has raised fresh concerns about oversight in private medical practices and the potential misuse of trust between doctors and patients.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)