Praneeth Kumar Usiripally, a 28-year-old Indian citizen, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting two teenage passengers and slapping a female passenger on a flight. According to US officials, the incident occurred on a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany on Saturday. Praneeth attacked the two boys with a metal fork, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing at Boston International Airport.
Praneeth first stabbed a 17-year-old boy in the shoulder with a fork. He then used the same fork to strike another boy in the back of the head, causing a serious cut. Following this incident, Usiripally has been charged in US District Court with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault causing bodily injury.
Attack occurred while serving food
Officials said the attack occurred during a meal service. Passengers and airline staff tried to subdue him, but he then slapped a female passenger and attempted to assault crew members. Praneeth currently does not have legal immigration status in the United States. He was previously in the US on a student visa and was pursuing a master’s program in biblical studies.
There could also be a 10-year jail term
Praneeth, who was arrested on October 25th, will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Police will also investigate Praneeth’s background, mental state, and the actions of the interfering crew members and passengers.
