Indian National Accused of Fork Assault on Plane

BOSTON – The grim headlines of a violent incident aboard an international flight have been confirmed as Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, from India, faces federal charges for an alleged assault on board a Lufthansa flight. The crime occurred while the aircraft was en route from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany.

Usiripalli is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. He was nabbed by authorities on Oct. 25, 2025, following the shocking incident.

The harrowing events aboard Lufthansa flight 431 began when Usiripalli allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old male passenger, identified as Minor A, in the shoulder area with a metal fork. He then reportedly targeted another 17-year-old male passenger, known as Minor B, striking him in the back of the head with the same implement.

According to reports, following the assaults, Usiripalli exhibited further aggression towards crew members and passengers, including an imaginary gun gesture aimed at a female passenger and a slap at a flight crew member. The plane was promptly diverted to Boston Logan International Airport due to the disturbance, where Usiripalli was apprehended.

Usiripalli, who had been admitted to the U.S. on a student visa, was enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies before his arrest. He currently does not have lawful status in the United States. The severity of his charges carries the possibility of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines reaching $250,000.

The investigation and prosecution of this case were conducted by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks of the FBI Boston Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, as emphasized by authorities.

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