News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra has been charged with medical fraud, sexual misconduct, and prescription misconduct in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Authorities allege a pattern of illegal activities, including issuing over 31,000 opioid prescriptions without legitimate medical justification and defrauding Medicaid. Kalra faces serious accusations of exploiting patients, leading to strict legal repercussions, including potential prison sentences and substantial fines. The case raises concerns about healthcare fraud and the opioid crisis, highlighting the need for accountability in medical practices.
Fair Lawn, New Jersey — Doctor Ritesh Kalra Faces Multiple Charges of Medical Fraud and Sexual Misconduct
In Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Dr. Ritesh Kalra, 51 years old, has been formally charged with numerous criminal counts including medical fraud, sexual assault, and prescription misconduct. The charges detail a pattern of illegal activities linked to the doctor’s practice, which officials allege operated as a “pill mill” and involved the exploitation of vulnerable patients.
Details of the Charges and Alleged Crimes
Authorities have accused Dr. Kalra of distributing opioids without legitimate medical purposes. Over a span of several years, he is said to have issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, including instances where he wrote more than fifty prescriptions in a single day. The prescriptions primarily involved high-dose opioids such as oxycodone and promethazine with codeine, often prescribed without clear medical justification.
Additionally, Kalra is charged with defrauding New Jersey Medicaid by submitting false or “ghost” bills for office visits that never actually occurred, aiming to extract funds from public healthcare programs unlawfully.
Alongside these financial crimes, allegations also involve sexual misconduct and abuse of patients. Former employees report that several female patients complained about inappropriate touching and requests for sexual favors, including oral sex, during appointments. One patient has come forward claiming to have been sexually assaulted multiple times, including being coerced into anal sex during medical visits.
Legal Status and Current Restrictions
Currently, Dr. Kalra is under home arrest, with a court order prohibiting him from practicing medicine or prescribing any medications. His medical practice has been ordered to shut down pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings. Investigators revealed that Kalra continued issuing prescriptions to an incarcerated patient at Essex County Correctional Facility without any medical assessment or contact, raising additional concerns about his conduct.
Evidence and Investigative Findings
Probation and court records show that Kalra’s electronic medical records contained fabricated progress notes, which were consistent across different patient files but lacked essential details such as vital signs, suggesting an intentional falsification of medical documentation. This evidence points toward deliberate deception designed to justify prescriptions and visits that never took place.
Officials’ Remarks and Legal Consequences
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the severity of the allegations, asserting that physicians have a profound responsibility to adhere to medical ethics and laws. The official condemned the doctor’s actions as exploiting patients for sexual favors and engaging in fraud that endangered public health.
Kalra faces significant legal penalties if convicted. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for health care fraud. Fines could also reach up to $1 million per drug charge and more than $250,000 per fraud offense, depending on the severity and number of charges. The prosecution has filed multiple charges reflecting the widespread scope of his misconduct.
Background and Broader Context
Officials describe Kalra’s case as a clear example of the dangers posed by unregulated medical practices and the opioid crisis. The allegations highlight how some healthcare providers may exploit their positions for personal gain through illegal prescriptions and abuse of authority. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to hold accountable those responsible for endangering public health and safety.
Legal proceedings will continue as Kalra faces potential prosecution in connection with the charges, with the outcome impacting future efforts to combat healthcare fraud and opioid misuse in New Jersey and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Medical Fraud
- Hindustan Times
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra medical fraud
- Times of India
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
- DNA India
- Google News: Ritesh Kalra New Jersey
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
