Mercer Times

The State Board of Medical Examiners has permanently revoked the medical license of Dr. Harsha Sahni, a Central Jersey physician, following her conviction and sentencing to 27 months in federal prison. The decision was announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Dr. Sahni, who operated a rheumatology practice in Colonia, admitted guilt to charges of conspiracy to conceal and harbor undocumented individuals and filing a false tax return. Her sentence was delivered by a federal court judge in October 2024.

Since September 2023, Sahni's medical practice had been temporarily suspended as the state pursued revocation proceedings due to her criminal actions. The state's administrative complaint highlighted that Sahni's conduct violated professional standards and demonstrated poor judgment and moral character.

"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," stated Attorney General Platkin. "There is no place in the medical profession for this kind of criminal conduct and utter disregard for humanity."

Cari Fais, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, commented on the situation: "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."

In February, Sahni admitted that she knowingly harbored two women from India—referred to as Victim 1 and Victim 2—for financial gain while making them believe they risked arrest if they contacted law enforcement. She provided them with necessities but paid them below legal wages for their work as housekeepers.

Further allegations included defrauding organizations into providing free or reduced-cost medical care under false pretenses. In one instance, Sahni falsely claimed that Victim 1 had been abused by her husband to obtain free dental treatment through a domestic violence charity.

Sahni also allegedly neglected Victim 1's serious health issues until they became critical, delaying necessary medical intervention despite knowing about an unruptured brain aneurysm discovered after persistent headaches.

In addition to imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner sentenced Sahni to two years of supervised release and ordered restitution amounting to $728,327 along with up to $200,000 for specific medical expenses.

The investigation into this matter was conducted by the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs. Deputy Attorney General Kate J. Calendar represented the state under Professional Boards Prosecution Section Chief Doreen Hafner's supervision.

Patients who suspect inappropriate treatment by licensed healthcare professionals can report their concerns through New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs hotline or website.