Lawsuit alleges Kalra sexually assaulted patients and used access to prescription medication to coerce some into sexual acts.
BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. — August 19, 2026 — Twenty-seven former patients of New Jersey physician Ritesh Kalra filed a civil lawsuit on Monday, August 17, 2026, alleging a years-long pattern of sexual abuse, exploitation, and other misconduct during medical appointments. Several plaintiffs allege Kalra exploited his position of control over their prescription medications by lowering their doses of medication after they resisted his sexual advances.
The complaint, filed by Andreozzi and Foote in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County, names Ritesh Kalra, the doctor himself, Ritesh Kalra, MD, LLC, a limited liability company, and ten unidentified responsible individuals as defendants. The 27 plaintiffs include 24 women and three men.
According to the lawsuit, Kalra worked as an internist and provided primary care and pain-management services. He operated many offices throughout Bergen and Hudson County, including but not limited to Fairlawn, Jersey City, and Secaucus.
The complaint describes an alleged pattern in which Kalra routinely prescribed high-dose opioids – including oxycodone – and promethazine with codeine to patients without a legitimate medical purpose while also demanding sexual favors in exchange for their prescriptions.
The suit states that in February 2018, Kalra and Ritesh Kalra, MD, LLC, were sued by a former employee after Kalra allegedly touched her buttocks, reached into her underwear, and put his genitals close to her face.
What the Lawsuit Alleges Kalra Did
The 27 plaintiffs allege Kalra engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse and misconduct during medical appointments, including exposing himself, coercing them into sexual acts, and engaging in unwanted sexual touching under the guise of medical examinations. Several plaintiffs allege Kalra used his control over their prescription medications to facilitate the abuse, including by threatening to reduce or revoke prescriptions—and, in some cases, actually reducing or withholding medication—when patients resisted his sexual advances. One woman further alleges Kalra threatened to kill her if she disclosed his abuse.
“This lawsuit describes an appalling abuse of the trust and authority patients place in their physician,” Nathaniel Foote, Partner, Andreozzi + Foote, said. “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.”
Lawsuit Alleges Staff Knew of Kalra’s Predatory Behaviors
The complaint also alleges that members of Kalra’s staff were aware of inappropriate conduct but failed to intervene or report him to law enforcement or the medical board, only enabling his predatory behavior toward patients to continue.
FBI Investigation Led to 58-Count Federal Indictment
Kalra currently awaits trial on a 58-count federal indictment stemming from an FBI investigation into allegations that he operated a “pill mill” and defrauded New Jersey Medicaid by billing for visits that never occurred.
According to the federal criminal complaint cited in the lawsuit, between January 2019 and February 2025, “Kalra issued more than approximately 31,289 oxycodone prescriptions for over approximately 1,500 patients,” many of whom were also prescribed promethazine with codeine, which is a known drug of abuse. The civil complaint states that the federal investigation also found that Kalra demanded sexual favors from patients to obtain prescriptions.
In December 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Kalra on 36 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and 21 counts of health care fraud.
The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners also suspended Kalra’s medical license and CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substances) registration in August 2025, citing allegations of indiscriminate prescribing and prescribing CDS without a legitimate medical purpose.
Civil Lawsuit Seeks Accountability and Punitive Damages
The civil lawsuit asserts claims including corporate negligence, negligence, vicarious liability, intentional infliction of emotional distress, assault and battery, medical malpractice, invasion of privacy, and violations of New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination.
The lawsuit alleges that Kalra’s conduct went far beyond the bounds of decency and would be regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized society, and that he intentionally targeted the patients at a time when they were vulnerable.
The plaintiffs allege that Kalra’s conduct caused severe and ongoing emotional distress, including humiliation, anxiety, fear, depression, loss of trust in medical providers and loss of enjoyment of life. The lawsuit states that plaintiffs have required and will continue to require psychological care, counseling and treatment.
The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages and have demanded a jury trial.
About Andreozzi + Foote
Andreozzi + Foote is one of the nation’s leading sexual abuse law firms with a history of representing survivors in cases against large and powerful organizations including Penn State University, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Catholic Church. The trauma-informed sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote are committed to obtaining life-changing results for victims and their families.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Maria Smith
Andreozzi + Foote
4503 N Front St.
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Email: marias@vca.law
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Image source: Dr. Ritesh Kalra, pictured on his office website.
