Indian passenger sparked chaos midair, attacked with fork and slapped woman during Lufthansa flight

A Lufthansa flight traveling from Chicago to Germany turned into a nightmare when a passenger suddenly turned violent. The incident, which happened on October 25, left everyone aboard shocked and unsettled. According to U.S. authorities, the man attacked without provocation, turning a routine transatlantic journey into a security scare. Within minutes, chaos broke out inside the cabin as passengers realized the gravity of what was happening. It forced the crew to take emergency measures to protect the passengers.

How did the assault unfold in midair?

Investigators revealed that the accused first targeted two 17-year-old teenagers traveling on the same flight. Using a metal fork, he stabbed one on the shoulder and the other on the back of the head. Both teens suffered injuries though they were not life-threatening. The sudden act of aggression spread panic among passengers, with many fearing the situation could spiral into something worse. Crew members rushed to intervene, trying to prevent further harm while passengers watched in disbelief.

Who was the man behind the attack?

U.S. Attorney’s Office identified the suspect as Praneet Kumar Usiripalli, a 28-year-old Indian citizen. Witnesses said after the stabbing, he made bizarre gestures, imitating a gun with his hand, pointing it at his own mouth, and pretending to fire. This disturbing behavior unsettled passengers even more, making many question whether he posed a bigger threat. His unpredictable actions forced the flight attendants to restrain him, fearing further violence. The suspect’s behavior suggested deep instability or intoxication at the time.

Why was a woman also assaulted?

As if stabbing two minors was not enough, the suspect turned toward a female passenger. Reports say he slapped the woman across the face without warning, shocking those seated nearby. The randomness of his actions created additional fear in the cabin, as nobody knew who might be targeted next. By then, the crew realized they had a serious inflight security crisis. Passengers were urged to remain calm while staff tried to subdue the attacker. His aggression pushed the crew to make a tough call.

How did the flight crew respond under pressure?

The Lufthansa crew, trained for crisis situations, acted swiftly. With help from passengers, they managed to control Praneet and prevent further harm. The captain decided to divert the plane immediately to ensure everyone’s safety. The aircraft was rerouted to Boston Logan International Airport, where law enforcement officials were waiting. Once on the ground, Praneet was arrested by federal authorities without further resistance. The incident highlighted the vital role of crew preparedness in averting a greater disaster.

What legal trouble is he now facing?

Authorities confirmed that Praneet has been charged with assault using a dangerous weapon and causing bodily harm. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison. In addition, he risks three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The severity of the charges shows how seriously the U.S. justice system views inflight violence. Federal court proceedings are expected to begin soon in Boston, with prosecutors emphasizing passenger safety as a priority.

Why does this incident raise bigger questions?

The midair assault has raised pressing concerns about airline safety. Passengers and experts alike are questioning how a metal fork could be used as a weapon in such a secure environment. Was airport screening thorough enough? Could additional security measures have prevented this? These questions remain unanswered, but they underline the constant challenges of inflight safety. For now, passengers are left shaken but relieved that the violence was stopped before it escalated further. The incident serves as a reminder that vigilance is essential in aviation.