NJ Man Indicted for Threats Against Judge, Officials

TRENTON, N.J. – Abhinaba Barthakur, 58, formerly of Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, is facing a six-count federal indictment for a string of disturbing threats against a U.S. District Court Judge, two New Jersey Superior Court Judges, a state elected official, and a private resident of Somerset County. The charges, announced by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, paint a picture of escalating rage directed at those involved in the justice system.

The indictment alleges that Barthakur, a dual citizen of the United States and India, began making these threats as early as December 2018, after leaving the country. He allegedly left voicemail messages riddled with violent intent. On July 14, 2020, he threatened to assault an elected official (“Elected Official 1”) in Somerville, New Jersey, going as far as threatening to remove the official’s fingers. Similar threats targeting fingers were also directed at two New Jersey Superior Court Judges (“Judge 1” and “Judge 2”) in September 2020.

The threats didn’t stop there. In October 2023, Barthakur allegedly targeted a Somerset County resident (“Victim 1”), leaving voicemails threatening assault and murder, explicitly mentioning the use of a .22 caliber handgun. The most recent and arguably most serious threats came on November 26, 2024, when Barthakur allegedly called the chambers of a United States District Court Judge in New Jersey (“Judge 3”), again threatening assault and murder with a .22 caliber handgun. This final threat is specifically charged as retaliation against a federal judge for performing their duties.

“Let today’s Indictment serve as both a warning and a wake-up call,” stated U.S. Attorney Habba. “My office will act quickly and decisively against anyone who threatens a public official. The conduct alleged in the Indictment is as heinous as it is troubling… Targeting those who uphold the rule of law is an attack on every community they serve.” Habba emphasized the severity of the charges, calling the behavior “unacceptable” and promising prosecution regardless of location.

Barthakur is charged with five counts of transmitting a threat in interstate or foreign commerce, each carrying a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of $250,000. He also faces a charge of retaliating against a federal judge by threat, which carries a heftier maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, and multiple local police departments.

As of this publication, Barthakur’s current location is unknown. Authorities are actively pursuing his apprehension. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. This case serves as a stark reminder that threats against public officials and citizens will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such behavior will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.