Dr. Raj Bothra
Surgeon, Author & Activist
USA v Raj by Dr. Raj Bothra & Jenifer DeBellis AVAILABLE in paperback + eBook with film adaptation coming summer 2026
USA v Raj: The Truth Behind One of This Nation's Biggest False Arrest & Imprisonment Scandals is now available for purchase at online retailers everywhere. Find your favorite store below. And, for a limited time, the eBook version is available for $2.99 onAmazon HERE.
Official book trailer
.jpg "Mumbai Press Event for USA v Raj Book Release & Movie Announcement")
Dr. Raj Bothra and his daughter Sonia at the Mumbai press event announcing the book release and movie in pre-production
Authors Dr. Raj Bothra and Jenifer DeBellis unveil USA v Raj at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2025)
Read full Variety article HERE.
Order Your Copy TODAY from
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ABOUT THE SURGEON, AUTHOR & ACTIVIST
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Dr. Raj Bothra is a surgeon, interventional pain management expert, activist, and survivor of one of America's biggest false arrest and imprisonment scandals. A native of a rural town in India, he earned medical degrees in India, England, and the U.S. During his time as a surgeon in Detroit, he built a single-owner private practice that became the nation's largest interventional pain management system (The Pain Center, USA, and Interventional Pain Center). He co-founded the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation with his actor turned politician mentor Sunil Dutt and volunteered on various socio-economic issues throughout India and the U.S, even developing a national campaign against drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and smoking that was developed into educational videos distributed to schools throughout India. He also produced a Hindi film, Mehndi. Dr. Bothra has worked with important public figures, including Indian prime ministers, U.S. presidents, Mother Teresa, and Pope John Paul II. Indian President K.R. Narayanan awarded him the high civilian honor of PADMA SHRI and he’s received numerous awards in India and the U.S. for his public service.
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Tell-All Memoir & Film in Pre-production
USA v Raj is a tell-all memoir that dares to share the truth behind one of this decade’s biggest federal false arrest and imprisonment scandals. This is a story about federal government corruption and a broken judiciary that turns innocent people into convicted criminals with their unchecked power and weaponized obsession with “winning at any cost.” This is also an innocent man’s story of gratitude, steadfast faith, and endurance to persevere until the end of a war waged against him. Imagine being an immigrant from India who worked hard and lived by integrity for 50 years to achieve his American dream. Then, imagine waking up one morning to an indictment that leads to a three-and-a-half-year period of unlawful detention and torture. The pages within retrace my journey to become a renowned surgeon, interventional pain specialist, and activist for just causes and my fight to survive my false arrest and 1301-day imprisonment, which led to a unanimous acquittal by a jury at trial. May you be encouraged as this story leads you through the many twists and turns of a grueling experience marked by trials, tribulations, and, ultimately, triumphs.
USA v Raj is a MUST READ, INSPIRING TRUE STORY now available in paperback and eBook with a motion picture by Rimjhim Films in collaboration with Twickenham Productions coming summer 2026. READ MORE...
Media Video Coverage of USA v Raj
Knock News at TIFF 2025
USA vs RAJ: Nation’s Biggest False Arrest & Imprisonment Scandal | The Untold Truth
Buzzzooka Prime India
UNCUT - Anupam Kher, Tushar Kapoor At Unveil 81-year-old DR. RAJ BOTHRA’S book 'USA v Raj'
Dr Raj Bothra on KristiLeighTV
USA v Raj: Broken Justice: Presumed Guilty, Doctors Jailed, Patients Suffer--Dr Raj on KristiLeighTV
Republic World
How FBI Jailed India's Padma Shri Awardee For 1301 Days & Acquitted Him | Dr Raj Bothra | USA vs Raj
Bollywood Paps India
Anupam Kher & Tushar Kapoor Launch Raj Bothra Most Controversial Book On USA Government | Usa vs Raj
ABP News India
Wrongfully Imprisoned: Dr. Raj Bothra की 'American Dream' बनी खौफनाक हकीकत!
The Truth Pill at TIFF 2025
A TRUE STORY | DR RAJ BOTHRA | USA v RAJ
Thep7News India Book Reveal
Anupam Kher & Tusshar Kapoor Unveil Padma Shri Dr. Raj Bothra’s Book USA v Raj
Truth Pill & #Hashtag Media
The Truth Pill and #Hashtag Media come together to present this hour-long TIFF press event coverage.
USA v Raj book & movie production news
Click on images to read the full articles.
The Indian Eye Press Release
.png "WFY Calls USA v Raj a \" A Story of Justice and Injustice\"")
WFY—USA v Raj: From Courtroom Drama to Cultural Phenomenon
Dr Raj Bothra: The Padma Shri surgeon who challenged the American justice system and won
.jpg "USA v Raj book-to-movie stellar cast & crew")
Variety: Kabir Bedi to Star in True-Story Legal Drama ‘USA v Raj,’ Ravi K. Chandran Directs (exclusive)
The Indian EYE Toronto Covers TIFF Press Event with Book Reveal by Producer Ramesh Sippy
Hindustan Times, Mumbai
Book Reveal & Movie
Announcement Event
On Restore Your Inner Warrior®
Advocating for truth & justice reform: In conversation with USA v Raj authors Dr Raj Bothra & Jenifer DeBellis
Indie Entertainment Media
The Hollywood Times Ramesh Sippy Book/Movie Reveal
PRESS RELEASE: New Release Shines Light on a Shocking True Story of Justice Denied
The Indian Panorama: When determination of an individual triumphed over the might of the mightiest nation of the world
Reel 360 calls USA v Raj "a human story about integrity, family, emotion, and the cost of systemic failure.”
South Asian Herald: "'USA v Raj': Harrowing True Story of Indian-American Doctor Wrongfully Imprisoned..."
Dr. Raj Bothra et al. Acquitted on All Counts by 12-0 Jury Vote, 6/29/22
United States District Court--Eastern District of Michigan, Southeast District
June 29, 2022, acquittal recorded on 7/20/22
- "In the matter of United States of America v D-1 Rajendra Bothra, D-3 Ganiu Edu, D-4 David Lewis, D-5 Christopher Russo, Defendants, the JUDGMENT OF ACQUITTAL states: "IT IS ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that, pursuant to the jury verdict returned on June 29, 2022 in open Court the defendants referenced in the above case caption are hereby acquitted."
Closest Thing To Justice Served
New England News: "Padma Shri Raj Bothra acquitted of all charges in US trial"
June 30, 2022
Detroit– Rajendra Bothra, an Indian-origin doctor, and three other physicians were acquitted of charges related to federal allegations they operated a Warren-based prescription drug mill, the media reported.
“We’re glad the jury looked at the evidence and made the appropriate decision in a relatively short amount of time,” Weiss said. “Where does he go to reclaim those 43 months?”
READ FULL ARTICLE.
The Detroit News Reports the Victory
Jury acquits Metro Detroit doctors feds accused of health care fraud scheme
June 29, 2022
In 2018, federal authorities alleged Dr. Rajendra Bothra and several of his colleagues were involved in a multi-million-dollar health care fraud scheme. The renowned surgeon, humanitarian and politician who once received India’s highest civilian honor went on to spend more than three years behind bars as trail was delayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The now-80-year old had maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal.
On [June 29, 2022], a jury sided with him and his co-defendants. During a hearing in U.S. District Court in Detroit, they walked out of the courtroom cleared of all accusations.
READ FULL ARTICLE.
Detroit Free Press Reports Botched Case
How 4 doctors beat the feds in botched $500 million pill mill case
by Tresa Baldas, June 30, 2022
- The government told jurors that Dr. Rajendra Bothra was a greedy pill pusher who ran his business like a McDonald's drive thru: pull up, get your pain meds, and go home.
- Bothra's lawyer countered that wasn't the case, that Bothra was a legitimate pain specialist who helped the elderly manage unbearable aches when no one else would.
- "I argued to the jury – 'You don't prosecute McDonalds for selling hamburgers. You don't prosecute KFC for selling chicken. And you shouldn't convict an interventional pain physician for doing his job and issuing prescriptions for people in pain," said defense attorney Art Weiss, whose trial strategy worked.
- READ FULL ARTICLE.
A case that should never have seen the inside of a criminal courtroom
Justice Served (Unfortunately a Little Too Late), details of the case from expert witness Sean M. Weiss, DoctorsManagement
June 30, 2022
Recently, Sean M. Weiss with NAMAS’ parent company DoctorsManagement testified as an expert witness in a federal court case against four healthcare providers in one of the largest Medicare/Medicaid fraud cases in U.S. history.
Read below as Sean recaps the case, or listen to Sean discuss the case with Senior Compliance Consultant, Scott Kraft, of DoctorsManagement HERE.
I testified this past June in one of the largest (nearly $500 million) Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Case in U.S. history. This case (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. RAJENDRA BOTHRA . . . should never have seen the inside of a criminal courtroom and is a case study in what can happen when an overzealous, uninformed prosecutor unfairly targets a medical practice for something that is, at best, a potential civil matter. | READ FULL ARTICLE.
Detroit News Reports on Dr Bothra's Successful Defense
Warner Norcross + Judd Partner Alan T. Rogalski featured in Detroit News article discussing his successful defense of a metro Detroit doctor in what is considered one of the largest health care fraud cases ever prosecuted in the U.S., June 30, 2022
Rogalski, who co-chairs Warner’s Health Care Industry Group, co-led the defense of Dr. Rajendra Bothra, who, along with three other physicians, collectively faced more than 40 counts of health care fraud related to their work at The Pain Center in Warren and related businesses. The case alleged the center was operating as a prescription “pill mill” to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and provide unnecessary procedures and prescriptions totaling nearly $500 million. The jury ultimately found the group not guilty and acquitted them of all charges.
“The government’s case hinged on five key pillars, each of which crumbled under careful cross-examination,” Rogalski told the Detroit News. “It was one of the most remarkable moments of my professional career watching [Bothra] taking his first steps back to a normal life.” READ FULL ARTICLE.
The American Bazaar Shares Good News
Indian American doctor acquitted in prescription drug scheme trial,
June 30, 2022
- Indian American Dr. Raj Bothra and three other Michigan doctors who were accused of being involved in a prescription drug scheme have been acquitted of all charges. FULL ARTICLE.
Pain Center Physicians Acquitted
Jury ACQUITS Physicians Accused in Healthcare Fraud and Opioid Trial
Ronald Chapman II, June 29, 2022
"...the Government alleged that the physicians utilized opioid painkillers such as Hydrocodone to “hook” patients on the pain meds and then coerce patients to undergo unnecessary inject-ions in order to continue to receive pain treat-ment. The jury didn’t buy it." | READ FULL TEXT.
DOJ does whatever it pleases against innocent citizens
Rajendra Bothra, MD
by Linda Cheek, MD, Dec 26, 2018
Dr. Rajendra Bothra, MD, 77, is the owner and one of six doctors at two clinics in Warren and Eastpoint, Michigan, being unbelievably charged with fraud because patients have to come back for a chronic condition. This goes to show the frank handing over the controls stick to the DOJ to do whatever they please against innocent citizens with no fear of responsibility.
The government is trying to create crime if a doctor orders appropriate tests or equipment for chronic pain conditions by coming back afterward and stating they were medically unnecessary, ineligible for reimbursement, and therefore fraud. This is becoming the routine charge now against any doctor who takes government insurance. They are trying to offset the country’s $985 billion debt by confiscating all the payments made to doctors for the last 5 years. So doctors taking care of government insured or Blue Cross Blue Shield, take note: You are treating these patients for free and you will lose your business through bankruptcy when the government charges and fines you to get their money back. | READ FULL ARTICLE.
Dr Raj Bothra Produces Hindi Film
Mehndi (1983)
Dr Raj Bothra & Pam Cine International
Directed by Asit Sen. with Vinod Mehra, Raj Babbar, Ranjeeta Kaur, Bindiya Goswami
Embassy of India Recognizes
Dr Bothra's Padma Shri
Dr. Raj Bothra awarded Padma Shri
January 29, 1999
Dr. Raj Bothra of Warren, Michigan, an Indian American, is among this year’s recipients of Padma Shri, one of the high national awards of India conferred on people who have distinguish-ed themselves in different fields. Dr. Bothra has been recognized for his accomplishments in the field of medicine. Apart from his professional achievements in the field of medicine in the United States, Dr. Bothra has been active in working for the poor and the sick in India. For about eight weeks each year, Dr. Bothra leaves his general surgery prac-tice in Warren and travels to his native India at his own expense to work with Indian organiza-tions to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and drug, tobacco and alcohol addiction. | READ FULL ARTICLE.
Evils of Tobacco
An educational series of Bataji Telefilms produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor and developed by Dr Raj Bothra and Bibek Debroy, CEO of RGF
- Educational series videos are available for preview and download on YouTube in multi-series.
Harling Saker Highlights the Com-missioned Artwork at Bothra's Home
Murals by James Labadie . . . Beautiful Things, 1999
Raj & Pam Bothra filled their home in Bloomfield Hills with all kinds of art. Walking through their home is like touring a museum. | READ FULL ARTICLE.
Macomb Daily Calls Him India's Knight
Macomb Daily: "India's Knight: Local Physician Honored for His Humanitarian Efforts"
Gina Joseph on July 28, 1999
In England, the highest honor bestowed upon a civillian is knighthood. "In India, such an honor is called Padma Shri," said Dr. Raj Bothra from his office in Warren.
Bothra, who is a general surgeon at St. John NorthEast Community Hospital, is this year's recipient of the Padma Shri. He received his medal and Sanad, or title, from India President K.R. Narayanan at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. It is the equivalent of the White House in Washington. Joining Bothra at the celebration was his wife, Pammi, and their daughter, Sonya.
How many dragons did Sir Bothra slay?
Three.
According to India's selection committee, Bothra was awarded the Padma Shri for his extensive work with Mother Teresa in trying to educate the country on Aids and the harms of tobacco and alcohol; for his fundraising efforts, which included raising the money needed to rebuild a hospital destroyed by an earthquake; and for his efforts promoting Indo-US relations.
George Bush favors lifting trade sanctions
Republican Presidential candidate Gov. George Bush with Murali Deora, BPCC Chief of his right and Dr. Raj Bothra, a Michigan based Indian community activist
Oct 27, 2000 | IP Chicago Bureau
CHICAGO: Republican presidential candidate, George Bush Jr., indicated to a group of Indians in Detroit, Michigan, that he favored lifting trade sanctions against India even if India did not sign Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). He said that there was an urgent global need for reduction of nuclear weapons but that he understood India's security needs and that signing of CTBT was not the only answer. Bush was talking to a group of Indians headed by Dr. Ra Bothra, a community activist in Michigan last week after his address on energy issue at General Motor Pontiac Truck Center. Murali Deora, an Indian politician heading Bombay Pradesh Congress, was also present during the private meet with Bush.
Times of India Shares the Good News
Times of India writes: "His Claim to fame doesn't end with a medical degree"
March 29, 1999
MUMBAI: With his trendy white and black outfit, Versace ring and Cartier Tank watch, NRI surgeon Raj Bothra looks more like a dashing Bollywood star than the recipitient of Padma Shri, the award that he received at Rashtrapati Bhavan recently for humanitarian work in the field of hospital-building and campaigns against drug abuse ad HIV/AIDS.
Now settled in the U.S., this fervent Republican originally qualified in medicine at Bikaner and worked for a short spell "right here at Bumbay Hospital (where he met The Times of India for an exclusive chat. In 1967, I went to the United Kingdom for my FRCS and after five years in Edinburgh, emigrated to the United States, where I've been since."
News India Times Covers Detroit Media
News India Times: "Bush Anti-sanctions, Pro-Shimla Pact"
Oct 27, 2000
Detroit: Republican presidential candidate George W. Sush has said that if elected, he would favor the immediate lifting of all US sanctions against India, enacted in the wake of Pokhran nuclear tests two years ago. Also, he would not press India to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. "In understand the security needs of India, Bush said. Clinton administration has put signing of CTBT by India as a precondition for lifting the sanctions.
India Today North American Special
India Today Exclusive: "Rediscovery of India by Prof. Robert Hardgrave
Indian Republicans: Changing Convention
For years, and Indian Republican was considered an oxymoron. It's not so anymore, thanks to a new breed of expatriate professionals which is embracing the political right as it moves up the economic ladder. A look at those who have climbed the GOP bandwagon.
The Second Generation: In an Identity Trap
As recent seminar on stress management in Washington, D.C. highlighted second-generation Indian Americans are struggling to define their roots in the society their parents adopted.