Federal authorities arrested a passenger Tuesday following allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct during an international flight from Abu Dhabi to Boston, officials announced Wednesday.
Krishna Kunapuli, 39, of India, faces federal charges of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. The incident occurred aboard an Etihad Airlines flight, according to court documents filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston.
Prosecutors allege the defendant made unwanted advances toward a female passenger, including touching her hair and taking unauthorized photographs, prompting initial crew intervention. Following this incident, two male passengers reportedly witnessed the defendant engaging in inappropriate behavior under a blanket, leading to additional crew involvement and subsequent law enforcement notification.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy announced the arrest alongside FBI Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit.
If convicted, the defendant faces potential penalties of up to 90 days imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and fines up to $5,000. Sentencing would be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable statutes.
Authorities noted that the charges remain allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Kunapuli is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston Wednesday.
