Indian-Origin Doctor in US Charged with Running Pill Mill, Exploiting Patients for Sex, and Defrauding Medicaid

An Indian-origin doctor in the United States has been charged with a series of serious crimes, including illegal opioid distribution, healthcare fraud, and soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for prescriptions.

Ritesh Kalra, 51, an internist from Secaucus, New Jersey, was placed under home incarceration following a court hearing. According to the US Attorney’s Office, Kalra allegedly ran a “pill mill” out of his Fair Lawn clinic, where he wrote thousands of prescriptions for powerful opioids like oxycodone without medical necessity. He now faces five federal charges: three for illegal drug distribution and two for healthcare fraud.

Sexual Exploitation and Opioid Abuse

Prosecutors say Kalra abused his medical license by preying on vulnerable patients battling addiction. Between January 2019 and February 2025, he allegedly issued over 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions, at times writing more than 50 a day.

Multiple female patients have accused him of coercing them into sexual acts in exchange for prescriptions. One woman claimed she was repeatedly sexually assaulted, including being forced into anal sex during clinical visits.

“This case highlights a shocking betrayal of trust,” said attorney Alina Habba. “Instead of treating patients, Dr. Kalra exploited them—fueling addiction, soliciting sex, and defrauding the public healthcare system.”

Clinic Shut Down, License Suspended

Kalra appeared in federal court before US Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa and was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond with home detention. He has been barred from practicing medicine and ordered to shut down his clinic.

Investigators also discovered that he continued writing prescriptions for a patient incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, despite no medical consultations.

Fraudulent Billing and Records

Kalra is further accused of defrauding New Jersey Medicaid by billing for in-person consultations that never occurred. Prosecutors say his electronic medical records contained copy-pasted progress notes with identical content across patient files and no recorded vital signs—signs of fabricated documentation.

“When we go to a doctor, we expect care and integrity,” said FBI Special Agent Stefanie Roddy. “Kalra instead used patients for his sexual gratification and defrauded the system.”

Possible Penalties

If convicted, Kalra faces:

• Up to 20 years in prison for each illegal drug distribution count

• Up to 10 years for each healthcare fraud count

• Fines up to $1 million per drug charge and $250,000 or more per fraud charge

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged other potential victims or witnesses to come forward.