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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.
The latest development came on August 17, 2026, when 27 former patients filed a civil lawsuit against Kalra in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County. The plaintiffs, including 24 women and three men, allege a years-long pattern of sexual abuse, exploitation, and misconduct during medical appointments. These allegations have not been proven in court.
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.
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.
In the newly filed civil lawsuit, 27 former patients further allege that Kalra engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse and misconduct during medical appointments, including unwanted sexual touching, exposing himself, coercing patients into sexual acts, and inappropriate conduct allegedly carried out under the guise of medical examinations.
Several plaintiffs say Kalra used their prescriptions as leverage. According to the lawsuit, he allegedly threatened to cut or stop medication when patients rejected his sexual advances and, in some cases, reduced or withheld prescriptions.
The lawsuit also claims that some members of Kalra's staff knew about inappropriate conduct but did not intervene or report it. The allegations are part of the civil lawsuit and have not been proven in court.
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.
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.
Condemning his alleged actions, US Attorney Alina Hiba stated,
She added that his conduct, if proven, not only violated the law but also endangered lives.
In December 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Kalra on 58 counts, including 36 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and 21 counts of health care fraud. He awaits trial in the federal criminal case.
The new civil lawsuit asserts claims including negligence, corporate negligence, vicarious liability, intentional infliction of emotional distress, assault and battery, medical malpractice, invasion of privacy, and alleged violations of New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages and have demanded a jury trial.
The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners suspended Kalra's medical license and Controlled Dangerous Substances registration in August 2025, citing allegations of indiscriminate prescribing and prescribing controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose.
His lawyer, Michael Baldassare, has denied all allegations, calling the government’s press release a “supermarket tabloid.”
The allegations in both the federal criminal case and the civil lawsuit remain pending. Kalra has not been convicted of the federal charges and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The allegations against Dr. Kalra have resulted in both a federal criminal case and a separate civil lawsuit filed by 27 former patients. While the legal proceedings remain ongoing, the case has raised concerns about oversight in private medical practices and the potential misuse of trust between doctors and patients.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)
