Archive · 29 Oct 2025
Indian National Charged After Alleged Fork Attack on Lufthansa Flight
A man named Praneeth was on a plane going from Chicago to Germany.
He allegedly used a metal fork to stab two teenage boys, one in the shoulder and another in the head.
He also reportedly made a gun shape with his fingers and pretended to shoot, then tried to slap a woman and a flight attendant.
Because of his behavior, the plane had to land in Boston.
Praneeth, who came to the U.S. on a student visa but is now studying to be a pastor and has no legal status, was arrested.
He faces serious charges and could go to jail for a long time.
A 28-year-old Indian national, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, has been arrested and charged in the U.S.
He is accused of stabbing two 17-year-old boys with a metal fork on a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany.
The flight was diverted to Boston, Massachusetts, where Usiripalli was taken into custody.
He is also accused of attempting to assault a female passenger and a flight crew member.
Usiripalli, who previously entered the U.S. on a student visa but now lacks lawful status, faces federal charges with a potential 10-year prison sentence.
- Who
- Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, a 28-year-old Indian national.
- What
- Allegedly stabbed two 17-year-old passengers with a metal fork, attempted to slap a female passenger and a flight crew member, and made an 'imaginary pistol' gesture.
- When
- Saturday (specific date not mentioned, but referred to as 'on Saturday')
- Where
- On Lufthansa flight 431 from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany, diverted to Boston, Massachusetts.
- Why
- Not explicitly stated in the article.
- Suspect
- Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli (28-year-old Indian national)
- Incident
- Alleged stabbing of two 17-year-old passengers with a metal fork on a Lufthansa flight.
- Additional Allegations
- Attempted to slap a female passenger and a flight crew member, made an 'imaginary pistol' gesture.
- Flight Details
- Lufthansa flight 431 from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany, diverted to Boston, Massachusetts.
- Victims
- Two unidentified 17-year-old male passengers, a female passenger, and a flight crew member.
- Suspect's Legal Status
- Previously entered on a student visa, enrolled in master's in biblical studies, currently lacks lawful status in the U.S.
- Charges
- Assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm aboard an aircraft.
- Potential Penalty
- Maximum 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Sources
Who is Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli? Indian student allegedly stabs 2 teens on Chicago-Germany Lufthansa flight
Indian Student Stabs Teens With Fork, Slaps Female Flyer Aboard Germany-Bound Flight
Indian National Stabbed 2 Minors With A Metal Fork Onboard Lufthansa Enroute From Chicago to Germany
Indian Student Stabs 2 Teens Mid-Air Onboard Chicago–Frankfurt Flight, Arrested in Boston
Indian man stabs two teens aboard Lufthansa flight, forces jet’s diversion to Boston
Indian national accused of mid-air fork attack on teens in US, flight diverted
Indian Man Stabs Two Teens With Metal Fork On US-Germany Flight, Arrested
Horror on New York sidewalk: Woman's body found stuffed inside duffel bag
Indian national arrested, charged in US for allegedly stabbing two minors with fork on flight
Lufthansa flight horror: Indian man stabs two teens with 'fork'; faces 10 years in prison
