NJ Doctor Accused of Trading Opioids for Sex Acts
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, an Indian-origin physician based in New Jersey, has been formally charged with several serious offenses. These include large-scale medical fraud, improper opioid prescribing, and sexual exploitation of patients. Authorities have placed him under home arrest. Additionally, he is barred from practicing medicine or prescribing medications, and his clinic must be closed while the legal proceedings continue.
Improper Prescription of Opioids Without Medical Justification
Investigators allege that between January 2019 and February 2025, Dr. Kalra ran what is commonly referred to as a “pill mill.” During this time, he issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, often writing more than 50 prescriptions in a single day. These prescriptions, which included high-dose opioids and cough syrups like promethazine with codeine, were reportedly given without any documented medical necessity.
Sexual Exploitation in Exchange for Opioids
Former staff members and patients have made disturbing claims regarding Dr. Kalra’s conduct. Several female patients allegedly reported that he inappropriately touched them during clinical visits. Moreover, some patients stated they were pressured into providing sexual favours, including oral and anal sex, in return for receiving controlled substance prescriptions.
One particularly troubling allegation involves a patient who continued to receive prescriptions for opioids even while incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, with no physical or telemedicine contact with Dr. Kalra during that time.
Billing for Fake Medical Visits and Services
In addition to the inappropriate prescribing practices, Dr. Kalra is also accused of submitting false insurance claims. Reports state that he billed Medicaid and other insurers for face-to-face visits and therapy sessions that never actually took place. According to federal documents, his electronic health records included progress notes with identical content across different dates, lacking vital signs or any meaningful clinical updates.
Statement from U.S. Attorney Alina Habba
Commenting on the case, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the breach of ethical and legal responsibility:
“Doctors are trusted with a great responsibility to care for and protect their patients. However, Dr. Kalra is accused of misusing that trust by encouraging drug addiction, taking advantage of vulnerable patients for sexual acts, and cheating the state’s healthcare system. By allegedly trading prescriptions for sexual favours and billing Medicaid for appointments that never happened, he not only broke the law but also put lives at serious risk.”
She further stressed that the Department of Justice will continue to pursue those who misuse their medical credentials for personal gain and criminal intent.
Conclusion
This case highlights the critical importance of ethical conduct in medical practice. Physicians are entrusted with the care of vulnerable populations, and any deviation from that trust, particularly involving addiction, exploitation, or fraud, has far-reaching consequences for patient safety and public health. The legal outcome of this case will likely serve as a cautionary benchmark for healthcare professionals nationwide.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
