Boston, Massachusetts, USA: A 28-year-old Indian student has been charged with federal assault after allegedly attacking two minors with a metal fork during a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt. The violent incident forced the pilots to divert the plane to Boston, where the suspect was taken into custody by U.S. authorities.
The accused, identified as Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, allegedly stabbed two 17-year-old passengers — one in the shoulder and another in the back of the head — shortly after the in-flight meal service. According to officials, the attack appeared to be unprovoked.
Emergency Diversion to Boston
Following the assault, flight crew members and passengers subdued the suspect as the pilots decided to make an emergency landing at Boston Logan International Airport on Saturday, October 25. Upon landing, law enforcement officers boarded the plane and arrested Usiripalli.
U.S. prosecutors stated that the student also slapped a female passenger and attempted to hit a member of the cabin crew before being restrained. The second teenage victim reportedly suffered a cut on the back of his head due to the sudden attack.
Legal Status and Charges
Authorities confirmed that Usiripalli previously entered the U.S. on a student visa and was recently enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies, but currently holds no valid immigration status.
He now faces one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to cause bodily harm while aboard an aircraft — a serious federal offence filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 (around ₹2.1 crore).
Details of the In-Flight Assault
According to court documents, one of the teenagers was asleep when he awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him. The suspect allegedly struck the teen in the shoulder with the fork, then lunged at the second minor and hit him in the back of the head, causing a laceration.
Officials also reported that during efforts to restrain him, Usiripalli made a gun gesture with his hand, pretended to place it in his mouth, and mimed pulling a trigger — before slapping a nearby woman and attempting to strike a crew member.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and that Usiripalli remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
