BOSTON, MA — A routine transatlantic flight descended into chaos recently when an Indian national was arrested following allegations that he stabbed two teenage passengers with a metal fork, forcing the aircraft to divert and land in Boston, Massachusetts.
Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
The Incident
The shocking incident occurred aboard a Lufthansa flight traveling from Chicago to Germany. According to documents filed in the U.S. District Court, Mr. Usiripalli allegedly targeted two 17-year-old passengers in an unprovoked attack.
The first victim was reportedly asleep in a middle seat when they woke up to find Mr. Usiripalli standing over them, subsequently striking their left clavicle area with the metal fork. He then allegedly turned and attacked a second 17-year-old, stabbing him in the back of the head, causing a laceration.
As crew members intervened to restrain the attacker, the situation escalated further. The accused reportedly raised his hand to mimic a pistol, placed the imaginary gun in his mouth, and “pulled the trigger.” He then allegedly slapped a female passenger and attempted to strike a crew member.
Emergency Diversion and Arrest
Due to the disturbance and the risk to passenger safety, the flight was immediately diverted to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Upon landing, Mr. Usiripalli was taken into custody by authorities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed the charge in a statement. Details revealed that the accused, who was admitted to the U.S. on a student visa and was enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies, does not currently possess lawful status in the country.
If convicted, Mr. Usiripalli faces a severe penalty, including up to 10 years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
