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An Indian student is facing federal assault charges after allegedly stabbing two minors with a metal fork aboard a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt. The mid-air attack prompted an emergency diversion to Boston, where the suspect was arrested. Authorities say he also assaulted other passengers and crew before being subdued.
The unprovoked attack by the Indian student led pilots to make an emergency landing in Boston on Saturday. (Image: File)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Oct 28, 2025 10:50 IST
A 28-year-old Indian student was arrested for allegedly stabbing two teens with a metal fork while on a flight from Chicago, US, to Frankfurt, Germany, American authorities said. Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli is alleged to have attacked others before being subdued. The flight was diverted to Boston, where he was arrested.
Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli allegedly stabbed two 17-year-old boys, one in the shoulder and the other in the back of the head, with the metal fork after meal service.
The unprovoked attack led pilots to make an emergency landing in Boston on Saturday (October 25).
The student also allegedly slapped a female passenger and also tried to slap a member of the crew, the office alleged.
The second teen sustained a cut to the back of his head during the unprovoked mid-air attack, prosecutors said.
Following the incident, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan Airport, where he was immediately taken into custody.
He has been charged in US District Court with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while travelling on an aircraft, according to US Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts.
"Usiripalli was previously admitted to the US on a student visa. Most recently, he was enrolled in a master's programme in biblical studies. Usiripalli presently does not have lawful status in the United States," the US Attorney's Office said in a statement.
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Published By:
Anand Singh
Published On:
Oct 28, 2025
