NJ physician’s medical license revoked for exploiting Indian workers

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The State Board of Medical Examiners has permanently revoked the medical license of Dr. Harsha Sahni, a Central Jersey physician sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for conspiring to conceal and harbor undocumented women from India as household servants for low pay, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced on Jan.7.

Dr. Sahni, who practiced rheumatology in Colonia, pleaded guilty in February 2024 to federal charges of conspiracy to conceal and harbor undocumented individuals and filing a false tax return. Her prison sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in October 2024, and she is scheduled to begin serving it shortly.

“The revocation announced today brings closure to a disturbing case in which a physician sworn to uphold the highest standards of care and compassion exploited and abused vulnerable victims for her own financial gain,” said Attorney General Platkin. “There is no place in the medical profession for this kind of criminal conduct and utter disregard for humanity.”

Dr. Sahni had been temporarily suspended from medical practice since September 2023. The State pursued an administrative action to revoke her license, citing professional misconduct and moral failings that compromised public health and safety. Under a final consent order filed with the Board, Sahni has surrendered her license, which will be permanently revoked.

“Dr. Sahni’s treatment of the women she illegally harbored as cheap labor for her and her family violated the most basic rules of the medical profession and caused her victims unimaginable suffering,” said Cari Fais, director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Only the permanent revocation of her medical license could adequately protect New Jersey and its residents from the dangers she posed as a practicing physician.”

The disturbing case

Federal court documents revealed that Sahni harbored two undocumented women, identified as Victim 1 and Victim 2, providing them food, clothing, and housing while exploiting them as housekeepers for low wages. She admitted to lying to immigration officials, instructing the women to claim they were family members visiting the U.S. as tourists.

The State alleged that Victim 1 worked from approximately 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., earning between $240 and $600 monthly, which Sahni sent to Victim 1's family in India. Sahni also reportedly defrauded medical charities and healthcare providers to secure free and reduced-cost care for Victim 1.

In one instance, Sahni allegedly fabricated a domestic violence claim to obtain free dental care for Victim 1, submitting a fraudulent application to a domestic violence charity and securing $6,000 in unpaid dental services. She also allegedly misrepresented Victim 1's financial situation to the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey's Community Health Center, enabling Victim 1 to receive medical services at a reduced cost.

Medical negligence

The State’s complaint further detailed how Sahni denied Victim 1 proper medical care despite her worsening health condition. After a car accident in 2014, Victim 1 experienced severe headaches, which Sahni allegedly treated with over-the-counter medication and painkillers instead of seeking professional medical care.

When Victim 1 was finally taken to an emergency room in 2021, a CT scan revealed a life-threatening brain aneurysm. Despite medical advice for immediate surgery, Sahni allegedly misrepresented herself as Victim 1's sister and translator and encouraged the patient to leave the hospital against medical advice, forcing her to resume household labor upon returning home.

Sentencing and restitution

In addition to the 27-month prison sentence, Judge Castner ordered Sahni to serve two years of supervised release and pay $728,327 in restitution, along with up to $200,000 for specific medical bills.

The investigation was conducted by the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs. Deputy Attorney General Kate J. Calendar, under the supervision of Professional Boards Prosecution Section Chief Doreen Hafner, represented the State in the matter before the Board.