Former Hillsborough Man Indicted for Threats Against Judges, Officials, and Resident

A federal grand jury has indicted a former Hillsborough Township resident for making a series of violent threats, including threats to kill a U.S. District Court Judge in New Jersey, as announced Friday by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.

Abhinaba Barthakur, 58, a dual citizen of the United States and India, faces six criminal counts: five for transmitting threats in interstate or foreign commerce and one for retaliating against a federal judge through threats. The indictment alleges that Barthakur, who left the United States in December 2018 and has not returned, made these threats over several years while residing abroad.

According to the indictment, the incidents spanned from 2020 to 2024 and targeted multiple individuals:

• July 14, 2020: Barthakur allegedly left a voicemail at the Somerville office of a New Jersey executive branch official, threatening physical violence, including mutilation.

• September 13 and 22, 2020: He is accused of calling chambers of two New Jersey Superior Court Judges in Somerset County, making similar threats involving physical assault and the removal of fingers.

• October 16, 2023: Barthakur allegedly contacted a Somerset County resident, threatening to kill the individual using a .22 caliber handgun.

• November 26, 2024: A U.S. District Court Judge in New Jersey reportedly received a voicemail in which Barthakur threatened to kill the judge with a handgun. Prosecutors allege this was an attempt to intimidate and retaliate against the judge for official duties performed.

Each count of transmitting threats carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of threatening a federal judge in retaliation could result in up to ten years’ imprisonment.

The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI’s Newark Field Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Hillsborough Township Police Department, and Branchburg Police Department.

U.S. Attorney Habba stated, “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.” She emphasized the seriousness of such threats and her office’s commitment to prosecuting those who make them.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew is overseeing the prosecution. At this stage, all charges remain allegations, and Barthakur is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.