Abhinaba Barthakur, a dual citizen of the United States and India, has been charged in a six-count indictment for making violent threats against several public officials, including a U.S. District Court Judge. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the charges on June 23, 2025.
Barthakur, formerly from Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, faces five counts of transmitting threats in interstate or foreign commerce and one count of retaliating against a federal judge by threat.
U.S. Attorney Habba emphasized the seriousness of the allegations: “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 said. The conduct alleged is described as “a direct attack on our justice system.”
The indictment alleges that Barthakur left the United States in December 2018 and has not returned since. On July 14, 2020, he allegedly threatened an elected official in New Jersey through voicemail. Similar threats were made to two New Jersey Superior Court Judges in September 2020.
Further allegations state that on October 16, 2023, Barthakur threatened a Somerset County resident with violence using a .22 caliber handgun. On November 26, 2024, he reportedly made similar threats to a U.S. District Court Judge with intent to impede their duties.
Each charge related to transmitting threats carries up to five years of imprisonment, while retaliating against a federal judge by threat carries up to ten years. Each charge also includes a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited multiple law enforcement agencies for their role in the investigation leading to these charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew represents the government in this case. It is important to note that all charges are accusations at this stage; Barthakur is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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