Indian doctor accused of medical fraud in US: Opioid fraud, sexual assault among charges

An Indian-origin doctor in the US has been charged with medical fraud such as distributing opioid drugs without a valid medical reason, demanding sexual favors from patients in return for prescriptions, and billing for fake appointments.

Ritesh Kalra, 51, is reportedly a resident of Secaucus, New Jersey. Following a US court hearing, he has now been placed on house arrest.

Additionally, Kalra’s medical license has been suspended. While the case is pending, he is required to shut down his medical practice as well.

Patients allege multiple instances of sexual harassment

Kalra's former employees reported that female patients have previously complained of inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment. They allege that Kalra touched them sexually, even demanding sexual favors from them, including oral sex, to issue their prescriptions.

One patient alleged being sexually assaulted by Kalra on multiple occasions, including forced anal sex during clinical appointments.

Another patient continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra while incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility and had no contact with him.

Media reports also suggest that Kalra billed for appointments and counselling sessions which never happened, thus defrauding New Jersey’s public healthcare program.

Court findings reveal that he issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for the prescription opioid medication oxycodone, between January 2019 and February 2025, without authentic medical reasons.

US lawyer accuses Kalra of endangering lives

US attorney Alina Habba said Dr Kalsa used the position of responsibility held by doctors to fuel addiction among patients, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jersey Medicaid by billing for visits that never happened. Emphasising how he not only violated the law but also put lives in danger, she added how their office would continue to pursue similar offenders who exploit their medical license for personal gains and sexual gratification.