BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. — Twenty-seven former patients have filed a civil lawsuit against New Jersey physician Ritesh Kalra, alleging he engaged in a years-long pattern of sexual abuse, exploitation, and misconduct while treating patients at medical offices in Bergen and Hudson counties.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in Superior Court in Bergen County by the law firm Andreozzi + Foote, names Kalra, Ritesh Kalra, MD, LLC, and 10 unidentified individuals as defendants. The plaintiffs include 24 women and three men who claim Kalra abused his position as a physician while providing primary care and pain management services.
According to the complaint, several plaintiffs allege Kalra retaliated against patients who rejected his sexual advances by reducing or withholding prescription medications they depended upon.
Lawsuit details allegations of abuse
The complaint alleges Kalra routinely prescribed high doses of opioids, including oxycodone, along with promethazine with codeine, while demanding sexual favors from some patients in exchange for continuing prescriptions.
Several plaintiffs accuse Kalra of exposing himself, engaging in unwanted sexual touching during medical appointments, coercing patients into sexual acts, and using his authority as their physician to facilitate the alleged abuse. One plaintiff alleges Kalra threatened to kill her if she disclosed what had occurred.
“This lawsuit describes an appalling abuse of the trust and authority patients place in their physician,” attorney Nathaniel Foote, a partner at Andreozzi and Foote, said in a statement.
“Dr. Kalra allegedly sexually exploited patients who depended on him for medical care and, in some cases, used his access to their prescription medication as a means of coercion and retaliation. These survivors deserve accountability and justice, and we are committed to pursuing both on their behalf.”
The complaint also alleges members of Kalra’s medical staff were aware of inappropriate conduct but failed to report it to authorities or state medical regulators.
Federal criminal case remains pending
The civil lawsuit follows a federal investigation that resulted in a 58-count indictment against Kalra.
Federal prosecutors allege that between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra unlawfully distributed controlled substances, operated what investigators described as a “pill mill,” and defrauded New Jersey Medicaid by billing for medical visits that never occurred.
According to the federal indictment, Kalra allegedly issued more than 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions to approximately 1,500 patients during that period. Prosecutors also allege he demanded sexual favors from certain patients in exchange for prescriptions.
Kalra has been charged with 36 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and 21 counts of health care fraud. Those criminal charges remain pending, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
In August 2025, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners suspended Kalra’s medical license and Controlled Dangerous Substances registration.
Plaintiffs seek damages
The lawsuit asserts claims including negligence, medical malpractice, assault and battery, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, and corporate negligence.
The plaintiffs allege they suffered severe emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, humiliation, loss of trust in medical professionals, and continuing psychological trauma. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages and have demanded a jury trial.
- 27 former patients filed a civil lawsuit against Dr. Ritesh Kalra in Bergen County.
- Plaintiffs include 24 women and three men.
- The lawsuit alleges Kalra sexually abused patients and used prescription medications to coerce some into sexual acts.
- Several plaintiffs allege prescriptions were reduced or withheld after rejecting alleged advances.
- Kalra is separately awaiting trial on a 58-count federal indictment involving opioid distribution and health care fraud.
- His New Jersey medical license was suspended in 2025.
- The civil plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
FAQ
- How many people filed the lawsuit?
- Twenty-seven former patients filed the civil complaint.
- What does the lawsuit allege?
- It alleges sexual abuse, sexual coercion, inappropriate touching, prescription coercion, medical malpractice, and related misconduct.
- Is Dr. Kalra facing criminal charges?
- Yes. He is awaiting trial on a 58-count federal indictment alleging unlawful opioid distribution, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and health care fraud.
- Has Kalra been convicted?
- No. The criminal charges remain pending, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Sources: Andreozzi + Foote, U.S. Department of Justice, New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners
