Abhinaba Barthakur, a dual citizen of the United States and India, has been indicted on charges related to making violent threats against multiple judicial figures and an elected official in New Jersey. The indictment includes five counts of transmitting threats via interstate or foreign commerce and one count of retaliating against a federal judge through threats, as announced by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Barthakur, 58, previously resided in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey. He allegedly made threatening communications targeting a U.S. District Court Judge in New Jersey, two New Jersey Superior Court Judges, an elected official from Somerville, and a Somerset County resident.
U.S. Attorney Habba stated, “Let today’s Indictment serve as both a warning and a wake-up call. My office will act quickly and decisively against anyone who threatens a public official.” She further emphasized that the alleged conduct represents an attack on the justice system and those serving it.
The indictment outlines several incidents:
– In July 2020, Barthakur allegedly left threatening voicemail messages for an elected official in Somerville.
– In September 2020, he reportedly threatened two New Jersey Superior Court Judges with physical harm.
– In October 2023, Barthakur is accused of threatening to assault and murder a Somerset County resident using a .22 caliber handgun.
– On November 26, 2024, he allegedly threatened to assault and murder a U.S. District Court Judge in New Jersey.
Each charge related to transmitting threats carries up to five years of imprisonment while retaliating against a federal judge by threat can result in up to ten years of imprisonment. Each charge also carries a maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation involved several law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Newark Field Office; the U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office; Hillsborough Township Police Department; and Branchburg Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew is representing the government in this case.
It is important to note that these charges are accusations at this stage, and Barthakur is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
