A 28-year-old Indian student was apprehended for allegedly assaulting two teenagers using a metal fork onboard a flight from Chicago, USA, to Frankfurt, Germany, as per American authorities. Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli reportedly attacked individuals before being restrained, leading to the flight being redirected to Boston for his arrest.
Allegedly, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli used a metal fork to stab two 17-year-old boys, causing injuries to one boy’s shoulder and the other’s head after a meal service.
The unexpected assault prompted pilots to make an emergency landing in Boston on Saturday. According to US officials, Usiripalli does not currently possess legal status in the country.
It is claimed that the student also assaulted a female passenger and attempted to strike a crew member, as detailed by the authorities.
Following the incident, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where Usiripalli was promptly apprehended. He has been charged in the US District Court with assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to cause bodily harm while aboard an aircraft, according to the US Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts.
Usiripalli had entered the US on a student visa previously, enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies. However, he is now stated to lack lawful status in the United States, as per the US Attorney’s Office.
As per officials, one of the victims was asleep in a middle seat and awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him during the incident.
Additionally, Usiripalli reportedly mimicked a gun suicide gesture with his hand after being subdued by crew members, along with slapping a female passenger and attempting to assault a crew member.
If convicted, Usiripalli could potentially face up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 (approximately Rs 2.1 crore).