Federal Prison for NJ Physician Harboring Undocumented Women from India as Household Servants

Dr. Harsha Sahni of Colonia Faces 27 Months in Prison for Harboring Undocumented Women from India as Low-Paid Household Servants

A Central Jersey rheumatologist, Dr. Harsha Sahni, has permanently lost her license to practice medicine in New Jersey after pleading guilty to charges of conspiring to conceal and harbor two undocumented women from India as household workers for low pay. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced the State Board of Medical Examiners’ action January 7, 2025, which solidifies Sahni’s permanent license revocation.

“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.”

In February, Sahni pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to conceal and harbor aliens and filing a false tax return. She is scheduled to begin her 27-month prison sentence in October 2024, as ordered by U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court on October 28, 2024. In addition to her prison term, Sahni must complete two years of supervised release and pay $728,327 in restitution, plus up to $200,000 for specific medical bills.

Sahni, who maintained a rheumatology practice in Colonia, admitted in court that she knew the two women—identified as Victim 1 and Victim 2—were in the country illegally and that she housed them for financial gain. Both women, working as housekeepers, were paid far below legal wages. Sahni also instructed them to deceive immigration officials by claiming they were family members visiting for tourism. Further, she acknowledged not paying taxes on the labor performed by the women, nor disclosing their work on her personal income tax return.

“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.”

According to the State’s Verified Complaint and additional documents filed with the Board, Sahni required Victim 1 to work from about 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., earning between $240 and $600 a month—money that Sahni remitted to the woman’s family in India. The State also alleged that Sahni used false representations to secure free or reduced-cost medical care for Victim 1, including a $6,000 dental procedure obtained by claiming Victim 1 was the victim of domestic violence.

Moreover, Sahni allegedly neglected the urgent medical needs of Victim 1. After an auto accident in 2014, Victim 1’s worsening headaches remained untreated for years, despite medical knowledge that she might have a serious condition. In 2021, a trip to the emergency room revealed a life-threatening brain aneurysm. The State maintains that Sahni nevertheless convinced Victim 1 to leave the hospital against medical advice—placing her household needs above the patient’s well-being.

Following Sahni’s guilty plea, the State Board of Medical Examiners pursued administrative action to revoke her license. Sahni’s practice privileges have been temporarily suspended since September 2023. “In a final consent order filed with the Board today, Sahni has agreed to resolve the allegations by surrendering her license which will be deemed a permanent revocation.” The State argued that her criminal actions violated professional standards, showed an “appalling lack of judgment and moral character,” and threatened public health and safety.

The matter was investigated by the Enforcement Bureau of the Division of Consumer Affairs. Deputy Attorney General Kate J. Calendar, under the supervision of Professional Boards Prosecution Section Chief Doreen Hafner in the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group, is representing the State before the Board.

Patients who believe they have received inappropriate treatment from a licensed healthcare professional can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs online or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll-free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.