NEW DELHI: In a shocking mid-air incident, a 28-year-old Indian citizen, Praneet Kumar, has been charged with assault after violently attacking fellow passengers and a crew member on a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt on Saturday, October 25.
According to reports, Praneet assaulted two teenage boys with a fork and spoon and also slapped a female crew member during the flight. The disturbance forced the pilots to make an emergency landing at Boston Logan International Airport.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts confirmed that Praneet has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon onboard an aircraft with intent to cause bodily harm.
Investigations reveal that Praneet allegedly attacked two 17-year-old boys, injuring one on the head and the other on the shoulder. One of the boys was asleep when Praneet leaned over him, triggering a scuffle. He reportedly struck the first boy on the collarbone before turning on the second victim.
When crew members intervened, Praneet allegedly mimicked a gun gesture, pretending to shoot at a flight attendant. He then slapped a female passenger and attempted to strike another crew member.
Authorities stated that Praneet, a former student pursuing a master’s degree in biblical studies in the U.S., is currently out of legal immigration status. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250, 000.