Lufthansa flight diverted after Indian national allegedly stabs two minors with metal fork

An Indian national has been charged in the United States for allegedly stabbing two teenage passengers with a metal fork during a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany, prompting the aircraft to be diverted to Boston.

According to federal prosecutors, 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli was arrested on October 25, 2025, and charged in the US District Court with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft — a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,50,000.

Authorities said the incident occurred aboard Lufthansa Flight 431 en route to Frankfurt when Usiripalli allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old male passenger in the shoulder and another 17-year-old male in the back of the head using a metal fork. Both victims were seated beside each other in the middle row.

The suspect allegedly struck one victim while he was asleep and then lunged at the second teenager. The second victim suffered a laceration to the rear of his head.

When crew members intervened, Usiripalli allegedly made a gun gesture with his hand, placed it in his mouth, and mimicked pulling the trigger. He then reportedly slapped a nearby female passenger and attempted to slap a crew member before being restrained.

Due to the violent disturbance, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where Usiripalli was taken into custody by federal authorities.

Officials said Usiripalli had previously entered the US on a student visa and was most recently enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies, but currently has no lawful immigration status.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit, with investigative support from the FBI Boston Division, Massachusetts State Police, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and US Customs and Border Protection.