Indian passenger on US flight attacks, seriously injures two teens with a fork, slaps woman

Following the incident, the flight was immediately diverted and forced to make an emergency landing.

Written by: Tahir Qureshi Edited by: Tahir Qureshi

Published: October 28, 2025, 6:33 PM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/world/indian-passenger-on-us-flight-attacks-seriously-injures-two-teens-with-a-fork-slaps-woman-washington-praneet-kumar-lufthansa-chicago-frankfurt-boston-logan-massachusetts-usa-8154316/ Copy

New Delhi: An Indian citizen has committed a shameful act on a US flight. 28-year-old Indian citizen Praneet Kumar attacked his fellow passengers on a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt on Saturday, October 25. According to reports, Praneet attacked two teenagers with a fork and spoon while also slapping a female crew member.

Flight forced to make emergency landing

Following the incident, the flight was immediately diverted and forced to make an emergency landing at Boston Logan International Airport. According to CNN, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts stated that Praneet has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon while on board an aircraft with the intent to cause bodily harm.

Attacked two teens with fork, causing serious injuries

The report states that in this incident, Praneet attacked two 17-year-old boys on the flight with a fork and spoon, causing serious head injuries to one boy and shoulder injuries to the other. The first boy was reportedly asleep in his middle seat after dinner when he woke up to find Praneet leaning over him. This led to a scuffle, and Praneet struck the boy’s left collarbone with his right hand. He then attacked the second boy, who was seated next to the first victim.

Illegal stay in US

According to officials, when flight crew members tried to control the situation, Praneet formed a fake gun with his hands and pulled the trigger, pretending to shoot a crew member. As the commotion escalated, Praneet slapped a female passenger and attempted to slap a crew member as well. Praneet, who was earlier pursuing a master’s degree in biblical studies in the US on a student visa, is no longer living in the US legally, and if convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.