TRENTON, NJ – The State Board of Medical Examiners announced the temporary suspension of Dr. Harsha Sahni’s medical license for recruiting, concealing, and exploiting two undocumented women from India as household servants.
Dr. Sahni, a rheumatology practitioner in Colonia, faces allegations of forcing one woman to work 15-hour days while denying her medical treatment for an aneurysm. Sahni has already pleaded guilty to federal charges of Conspiracy to Conceal and Harbor Aliens and Filing a False Tax Return for her actions spanning from 2013 to 2021.
According to a Consent Order filed last week, Sahni consented to the temporary suspension pending further administrative actions that could lead to the permanent revocation of her medical license. The action was filed in response to Sahni’s criminal convictions which, according to authorities, violate professional standards and pose a risk to public health.
Sahni admitted to knowing that the women were in the U.S. illegally, harboring them for financial gain, and intimidating them against speaking to law enforcement. She also failed to pay taxes related to their employment and provided them with food, clothing, and housing at a rate lower than what she would have paid to legally employed housekeepers.
Additional allegations state that Sahni defrauded organizations by providing false information to secure free or reduced-cost medical care for one of the victims. The victim was forced to work long hours for low pay, which was sent to her family in India.
The Board’s investigation also revealed that Sahni discouraged the woman from seeking potentially life-saving treatment for a brain aneurysm. Sahni continued to make the woman work despite her deteriorating condition and even after receiving medical advice indicating the seriousness of her condition.
Sahni awaits sentencing next month and could face up to 30 months in federal prison. She has also agreed to pay the victims a combined $642,212 and up to $200,000 for medical treatment.
The matter is under investigation by the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs, and Deputy Attorney General Kate J. Calendar is representing the State in the case.