FAIR LAWN, NJ — A former Fair Lawn doctor accused by federal prosecutors of operating a prescription “pill mill” is now facing a civil lawsuit from 27 former patients alleging years of sexual abuse, coercion and misconduct.
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, whose office was located at 15-01 Broadway, Suite 8, in Fair Lawn, was sued Monday in Bergen County Superior Court by 24 women and three men. The complaint names Kalra, his medical practice and 10 unidentified defendants.
The plaintiffs allege Kalra used his position as their physician, along with access to prescription medications, to sexually exploit patients. Several claim he made unwanted sexual advances, exposed himself or engaged in unwanted touching. Others allege he demanded sexual favors in exchange for continuing prescriptions for medications including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine.
The lawsuit further alleges that patients who rejected his advances had their medications reduced or withheld as retaliation. One plaintiff alleges Kalra threatened to kill her if she disclosed the alleged abuse.
“This lawsuit describes an appalling abuse of the trust and authority patients place in their physician,” attorney Nathaniel Foote said.
The civil case comes as Kalra awaits trial on a 58-count federal indictment stemming from a separate investigation.
Federal prosecutors allege that from January 2019 through February 2025, Kalra unlawfully distributed controlled substances and operated a drug-involved medical practice while defrauding New Jersey Medicaid. According to the indictment, he allegedly issued more than 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions to approximately 1,500 patients.
Prosecutors have also alleged that Kalra demanded sexual favors from some patients in exchange for prescriptions.
Kalra was charged with 36 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, maintaining a drug-involved premises and 21 counts of health care fraud. His New Jersey medical license and controlled-substance registration were suspended in August 2025.
The federal charges remain pending and Kalra is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The 27 plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages and have demanded a jury trial.
