In a shocking incident, a Boston doctor has been arrested for lewd acts on an aircraft. Dr. Sudipta Mohanty, 33, is accused of masturbating and exposing himself in the view of a 14-year-old female passenger seated next to him onboard a flight from Honolulu to Boston in May 2022. Mohanty has been charged with one count of lewd, indecent, and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. This arrest serves as a strong reminder that such illicit behavior will not be tolerated, especially when children are involved. The FBI urges anyone who has been a victim of a crime on an aircraft or witnessed one to report it immediately.
Article Title: Boston Doctor Arrested for Lewd Acts on an Aircraft
Overview
In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns over passenger safety, a Boston doctor has been arrested for allegedly engaging in lewd acts on an aircraft. The incident, which took place during a flight from Honolulu to Boston in May 2022, involved the doctor allegedly masturbating and exposing himself in front of a 14-year-old girl seated next to him. The arrest and subsequent charges highlight the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers.
Background Information
Defendant’s Identity
The accused, Dr. Sudipta Mohanty, is a 33-year-old Boston resident. He is an internal medicine and primary care doctor with a practice in the city. Dr. Mohanty’s arrest and the charges against him have sent shockwaves through the medical community, raising questions about the professional conduct and ethics of healthcare professionals.
Nature of the Charges
Dr. Mohanty has been charged with one count of lewd, indecent, and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. The charges stem from his alleged actions of masturbating and exposing himself in the presence of a minor during the flight. Such behavior is not only morally and ethically unacceptable but also constitutes a serious violation of federal laws and regulations.
Flight Details
The incident occurred during a Hawaiian Airlines Flight from Honolulu to Boston on May 27, 2022. Dr. Mohanty was a passenger on the flight, accompanied by a female companion. Seated next to him was a 14-year-old minor traveling with her grandparents. The flight, which should have been a routine journey for all passengers, took a horrifying turn due to Dr. Mohanty’s alleged actions.
Statement from Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy has expressed strong condemnation for the alleged behavior of Dr. Mohanty. In a statement, Mr. Levy emphasized that everyone, especially children, has the right to travel without being exposed to lewd conduct. He assured the public that those who engage in such illicit behavior will be held accountable and urged anyone who has witnessed similar incidents to report them to both the flight crew and the FBI.
Statement from Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher DiMenna
Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher DiMenna of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Boston Division, also condemned the alleged actions of Dr. Mohanty. He emphasized the seriousness of crimes committed aboard aircraft and urged victims and witnesses to come forward and report such offenses to the FBI. Mr. DiMenna assured the public that the FBI takes these crimes seriously and will not tolerate any misconduct onboard flights.
Defendant’s Profession and Practice
Dr. Sudipta Mohanty is an internal medicine and primary care doctor with a practice in Boston. His arrest and the charges against him have raised concerns about the professional standards and conduct of healthcare professionals. The medical community must uphold the highest ethical standards and ensure the safety and well-being of patients and the public.
Incident Details
Alleged Actions
According to charging documents, the incident took place approximately halfway through the flight from Honolulu to Boston. The minor seated next to Dr. Mohanty observed that he had covered himself with a blanket up to his neck. She later noticed that the blanket was on the floor and Dr. Mohanty was masturbating. This alleged behavior is not only inappropriate but also a criminal offense.
Minor’s Observations
The 14-year-old minor who was seated next to Dr. Mohanty was subjected to an extremely distressing experience. Witnessing such behavior at such a young age can have long-lasting psychological effects. The minor’s observations played a crucial role in alerting her family members and law enforcement about the incident.
Change in Seat
After witnessing the alleged lewd acts, the minor took immediate action to protect herself. She moved to an empty seat in a different row for the remainder of the flight. This decision demonstrates the courage and resourcefulness of the minor, who sought to remove herself from the uncomfortable and unsafe situation.
Reporting the Incident
Upon arrival in Boston, the minor informed her family about the incident, and subsequently, law enforcement was notified. It is important for victims and witnesses of such incidents to report them promptly so that appropriate action can be taken and the culprits can be held accountable.
Legal Consequences
Potential Sentence
The charge of lewd, indecent, and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States carries serious legal consequences. If convicted, Dr. Sudipta Mohanty could face up to 90 days in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000. The actual sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable statutes.
Announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI Acting SAC DiMenna
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher DiMenna jointly announced the arrest of Dr. Sudipta Mohanty. Their statement emphasized the commitment of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes committed aboard aircraft. They urged victims and witnesses to come forward and report any incidents promptly to ensure the safety and security of all passengers.
Contact Information
District of Massachusetts Boston Office
For more information or assistance related to this case, please contact the District of Massachusetts Boston Office at the following address:
1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200
Boston, MA 02210
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In conclusion, the arrest of Dr. Sudipta Mohanty for lewd acts on an aircraft is a grave reminder of the importance of passenger safety and the need for strict enforcement of laws and regulations. Law enforcement agencies are dedicated to protecting the public and ensuring that individuals who engage in inappropriate behavior are held accountable for their actions. It is essential for victims and witnesses to report such incidents promptly to safeguard the well-being of all passengers.