Indian-Origin Doctor in New Jersey Faces Charges of Medical Fraud and Sexual Assault
Indian-Origin Doctor in New Jersey Faces Charges of Medical Fraud and Sexual Assault
An Indian-origin physician, Ritesh Kalra, 51, has been arrested and charged in New Jersey with a range of offenses including healthcare fraud and sexual assault. The charges allege that Kalra engaged in the illicit distribution of opioids, solicited sexual favors from female patients in exchange for prescriptions, and defrauded New Jersey Medicaid by billing for services that were never rendered.
Kalra is currently under home arrest and is barred from practicing medicine or prescribing medication. He is also required to close his medical practice while the legal proceedings are underway.
Allegations of Misconduct
According to reports from several of Kalra's former employees, numerous female patients accused the doctor of inappropriate touching and demanding sexual favors, including oral sex, as a condition for receiving their prescriptions. One patient reportedly detailed multiple instances of sexual assault by Kalra, including forced anal sex during office visits.
In another instance, a patient allegedly continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra even while incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, indicating no legitimate physician-patient contact. Kalra is also accused of submitting fraudulent bills for in-person consultations and counseling sessions that never took place.
Official Statement
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba commented on the case, stating that physicians hold a significant position of trust, and Dr. Kalra allegedly abused this trust to promote addiction, exploit vulnerable patients sexually, and defraud a public healthcare program. She emphasized that his alleged actions of exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and billing Medicaid for non-existent appointments not only broke the law but also jeopardized lives. Habba affirmed that her office will continue to prosecute those who misuse their medical licenses for personal profit and sexual gratification.
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