Indian National Illegally in America Stabs Teens, Lufthansa Plane Forced to Land in Boston

A terrifying incident unfolded aboard a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany when an Indian national, residing illegally in the United States, allegedly attacked two teenage boys mid-air. The violent outburst forced the pilots to divert the plane to Boston, leaving passengers shocked and frightened.

Violent Attack at 35,000 Feet

Federal prosecutors said that 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli assaulted two 17-year-old boys with a metal fork while the plane was flying over the Atlantic Ocean. According to court records, one teenager was dozing in his seat when he woke up to find Usiripalli standing over him. Moments later, the suspect allegedly stabbed him in the shoulder before turning on the second boy and striking him in the back of the head.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as Usiripalli made a gun gesture with his hand, placed it in his mouth, and pretended to pull the trigger. He then allegedly slapped a nearby woman and swung at a flight attendant who tried to intervene.

Emergency Landing and Arrest in Boston

Following the mid-air violence, the pilots of Lufthansa Flight 431 made the decision to divert to Boston Logan International Airport. Upon landing, federal agents and state police boarded the aircraft and took Usiripalli into custody directly on the tarmac. Both teenage victims received medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Suspect's Background and Immigration Status

According to federal prosecutors, Usiripalli had initially entered the United States on a student visa several years ago. He was reportedly pursuing a master's degree in biblical studies but had overstayed his visa, resulting in the loss of his lawful immigration status.

Charges and Possible Sentence

Usiripalli has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft, a federal offense that carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine of 250,000 dollars. He remains in federal custody and will appear before the U.S. District Court in Boston at a later date.