Former Somerset County man indicted for threats against federal judge, state officials and resident
BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — A dual U.S.–India citizen has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly making violent threats against a U.S. District Court judge, two New Jersey Superior Court judges, an elected official, and a Somerset County resident, according to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Abhinaba Barthakur, 58, formerly of Hillsborough Township, was charged in a six-count indictment with five counts of transmitting threats in interstate or foreign commerce and one count of retaliating against a federal judge by threat.
“Let today’s indictment serve as both a warning and a wake-up call,” U.S. Attorney Habba said in a statement. “Targeting those who uphold the rule of law is an attack on every community they serve. This egregious behavior is unacceptable.”
According to court documents, Barthakur left the United States in December 2018 and has not returned. Authorities allege that he placed multiple threatening calls between 2020 and 2024 targeting judicial officials and a private citizen.
On July 14, 2020, Barthakur allegedly left a voicemail threatening to assault an elected official in Somerville, including threats to remove the official’s fingers. Similar threats were left in voicemails on September 13 and 22, 2020, directed at two New Jersey Superior Court judges in the Somerset Vicinage.
On October 16, 2023, he allegedly called a Somerset County resident, threatening to assault and murder the individual with a .22 caliber handgun. Barthakur later allegedly made a similar threat against a U.S. District Court judge on November 26, 2024, with intent to intimidate and retaliate against the judge for official duties.
Each count of transmitting a threat carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of retaliating against a federal judge carries a maximum sentence of ten years.
The case is being investigated by federal authorities, and Barthakur remains at large.
