'Exploited Patients For Sex': Indian-Origin Doctor Charged With Medical Fraud, Assault In US
Dr Kalra demanded sexual favours from the female patients, including oral sex, in return for the prescriptions.
An Indian-origin doctor in the United States is accused of the unlawful prescribing of opioid medications, and requesting sexual favours from patients in exchange for prescription drugs.
Identified as 51-year-old Ritesh Kalra, the man was a resident of Secaucus, New Jersey. He has been placed under home detention following a court hearing in the United States.
Prosecutors allege that Ritesh Kalra exploited his medical license to take advantage of patients battling addiction. Court findings reveal that he issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025 without medical reasons.
It is also alleged that Dr Kalra demanded sexual favours from the female patients, including oral sex, in return for the prescriptions. A female patient alleged that she was forced to do anal sex during her medical appointment.
'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," said attorney Alina Habba.
'By allegedly exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and billing Medicaid for ghost appointments, he not only violated the law but endangered lives," she added.
Medical license of Dr Ritesh Kalra has been suspended following the charges. He was released on home arrest with an unsecured $100,000 bond after appearing for a hearing before US magistrate judge André M Espinosa.
The court also restricted him from practicing medicine or prescribing medications.
Kalra has been ordered to close his medical clinic amid the ongoing legal proceedings.
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