Metal forks, imaginary gun: Indian man charged with assault on teens on Lufthansa flight from US
The accused had entered the United States on a student visa and had recently enrolled in a masters’ program in biblical studies.
A 28-year-old Indian man allegedly stabbed two minors with metal forks and slapped another co-passenger on board a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany last week and has been charged in a US District Court.
The man, identified as Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, was arrested on Saturday, October 25, and will be presented in a federal court in Boston later, said US authorities. He has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while travelling on an aircraft.
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What happened on the flight?
On October 25 on board the Lufthansa flight 431 from Chicago to Frankfurt, the accused allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old with a metal fork on his shoulder, according to the charges documents. The incident allegedly happened as the minor was in a light sleep after having a meal before he got up and spotted Usiripalli standing over him.
“It is alleged that Usiripalli used his right hand to strike Minor A in the left clavicle area with a metal fork,” according to the United States Attorney’s Office of the district of Massachusetts.
{{/usCountry}}“It is alleged that Usiripalli used his right hand to strike Minor A in the left clavicle area with a metal fork,” according to the United States Attorney’s Office of the district of Massachusetts.
{{/usCountry}}Following this, the accused then allegedly attacked another 17-year-old sitting right beside the first victim and hit him in the back with the back, due to which, he suffered a laceration to the rear of his head.
{{/usCountry}}Following this, the accused then allegedly attacked another 17-year-old sitting right beside the first victim and hit him in the back with the back, due to which, he suffered a laceration to the rear of his head.
{{/usCountry}}As the situation got heated up and flight attendants stepped in, Usiripalli allegedly formed a gun gesture with his fingers, put it in his mouth and pretended to shoot himself before allegedly turning to a female passenger on the flight and slapping her. He also allegedly attempted to slap a flight attendant.
{{/usCountry}}As the situation got heated up and flight attendants stepped in, Usiripalli allegedly formed a gun gesture with his fingers, put it in his mouth and pretended to shoot himself before allegedly turning to a female passenger on the flight and slapping her. He also allegedly attempted to slap a flight attendant.
{{/usCountry}}As all this unfolded on the flight, it was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport where the accused was taken into custody.
The accused had entered the United States on a student visa and had recently enrolled in a masters’ program in biblical studies. “Usiripalli presently does not have lawful status in the United States,” said the press release.
