New York: A 28-year-old Indian national, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, was arrested after allegedly stabbing two teenage passengers with a metal fork and assaulting another passenger on board a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany. The incident forced the plane to make an emergency diversion to Boston Logan International Airport, US authorities confirmed on Monday.

Lufthansa flight diverted to Boston after mid-air assault

According to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the incident occurred on Saturday when Usiripalli allegedly attacked two 17-year-old male passengers during the flight. Court documents state that he first stabbed one teenager in the shoulder with a metal fork before attacking the other in the back of the head. The second victim sustained a laceration to his scalp.

Following the assault, flight crew and passengers attempted to restrain Usiripalli as the situation escalated mid-air. The crew immediately alerted the cockpit, prompting the pilot to request an emergency landing at Boston Logan International Airport.

Accused charged with assault on aircraft

Usiripalli was arrested upon landing and charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while travelling on an aircraft within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

The US Attorney’s Office said that if convicted, Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to USD 250,000.

He was taken into custody on October 25 and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

Disturbing behaviour on board

Court documents reveal disturbing details about Usiripalli’s conduct following the attack. When passengers tried to subdue him, he reportedly formed his fingers into the shape of a gun, put them into his mouth, and pretended to pull the trigger.

Authorities further allege that he slapped a female co-passenger and attempted to strike a flight attendant during the chaos. The aggressive behaviour left passengers alarmed, prompting an urgent diversion to ensure safety.

Background of the accused

The press release from the US Attorney’s Office stated that Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli does not currently have lawful status in the United States. He had previously entered the US on a student visa and was reportedly enrolled in a master’s programme in biblical studies before his visa expired.

The authorities have not yet disclosed his motive for the violent outburst, and investigations are underway.

Airline cooperation and passenger safety

Lufthansa Airlines confirmed that the flight crew followed all safety protocols and cooperated with US authorities upon landing in Boston. “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We thank the crew for their professionalism and swift response during the incident,” the airline said in a statement.

All injured passengers received medical attention after the flight landed safely. No life-threatening injuries were reported.

Legal proceedings to follow

Usiripalli remains in federal custody and is expected to appear in court soon. Prosecutors are preparing to present witness statements and video evidence collected from passengers and flight crew.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are jointly handling the investigation, given that the assault occurred aboard an international commercial aircraft.

Authorities said that mental health evaluations may also be conducted as part of the proceedings, considering the erratic behaviour displayed by the accused.

Conclusion

The shocking mid-air attack has reignited discussions about aviation safety and passenger screening on international routes. While violent incidents on flights remain rare, authorities emphasise the importance of crew training and rapid response mechanisms in ensuring passenger security.

As Usiripalli awaits his court appearance, the case continues to draw attention both in the United States and India, raising concerns about mental health awareness and the responsibilities of travellers under international aviation law.