A 28-year-old Indian national has been charged in the United States after allegedly stabbing two teenage passengers with a metal fork aboard a flight from Chicago to Germany, prompting the aircraft’s diversion to Boston.
Violence erupts on board
On October 25, during Lufthansa Flight 431 from Chicago to Frankfurt, 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli allegedly attacked two 17-year-old boys, one stabbed in the left collarbone area, the other suffering a laceration to the back of his head when struck with a metal fork.
According to US federal authorities, when crew and passengers attempted to restrain him, Usiripalli “formed a gun with his fingers, put it in his mouth and pulled an imaginary trigger”. He also allegedly slapped a female passenger and attempted to assault a crew member, says The Washington Post’s report.
Because of the disturbance, the plane was diverted to Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, where Usiripalli was taken into custody.
Legal implications and status
Usiripalli has been charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while travelling on an aircraft within U.S. special aircraft jurisdiction. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
US authorities say he currently lacks lawful immigration status in the country. He had entered the U.S. previously on a student visa for a master’s programme in biblical studies, but his status is no longer valid, as per the Washington Post.
The incident raises serious concerns over passenger safety, in-flight security and the handling of violent disturbances on board international flights.
