Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51‑year‑old Indian‑origin internist from Secaucus, New Jersey, has been formally charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey with operating a so‑called “pill mill,” writing over 31,000 opioid prescriptions—including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine—between January 2019 and February 2025 without legitimate medical justification . Federal officials allege that Kalra demanded sexual favours—ranging from inappropriate touching to oral and even forced anal sex—from female patients in exchange for these prescriptions, with one patient reportedly assaulted multiple times during clinical appointments .
In addition to the drug charges, Kalra is accused of defrauding New Jersey Medicaid by billing for in‑person visits that never occurred—fabricating electronic health records and progress notes in an attempt to support his scheme. He faces a five‑count complaint: three counts of distributing controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and two counts of health care fraud. Each drug count carries up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine; each fraud count adds up to 10 years and fines reaching $250,000 or double the illicit gains.
Kalra appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa in Newark and was released on home incarceration under an unsecured $100,000 bond. He has been barred from practicing medicine or prescribing medication pending trial, and his medical practice is required to shut down. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the betrayal of trust inherent in the alleged misconduct: “Physicians hold a position of profound responsibility—but as alleged, Dr. Kalra used that position to fuel addiction, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jersey’s public healthcare program,” she stated.
The investigation was led by a coalition of federal agencies—including the FBI, DEA, HHS‑OIG, IRS‑Criminal Investigation, SSA‑OIG—along with local partners in New Jersey. No trial date has been set, and Kalra maintains his innocence. Authorities continue to urge anyone who may have been victimized to come forward and contact the FBI.
