Boston, October 23: A man on an Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Boston has been charged with lewd, indecent, and obscene acts after reportedly exposing himself and masturbating in front of passengers. Krishna Kunapuli, 39, an Indian national, faces federal charges following an incident during the 14-hour journey on October 21.

According to an FBI affidavit, Kunapuli initially harassed a female passenger, complimenting her looks, grabbing her breasts, and offering USD 5,000 for her company in Boston. Despite her attempts to distance herself, including a trip to the aft galley, Kunapuli persisted, continuing to stroke her hair and make advances, reported USA Today. A flight attendant spotted Kunapuli touching the woman, mistaking them for a couple before realizing the woman didn't know him and had been subjected to unwanted advances. Kunapuli was ordered back to his seat. US Man Asks Flight Attendant for Sex, Tries to Open Aircraft’s Door Mid-Air; Arrested After His Unruly Behaviour Forces Plane to Make Emergency Landing.

Once back in his seat, Kunapuli was seen by another passenger, under a blanket, masturbating and exposing himself. The passenger, initially attempting to ignore the situation, eventually moved seats and alerted the flight crew. Another passenger also tried to intervene. Flight attendants confronted Kunapuli, who apologised and zipped up his pants. 'It Was Such a Dehumanizing Experience': 2 Women Allegedly Kicked Off Spirit Airlines Flight in US for Wearing Crop Tops, Video Goes Viral.

Law enforcement, including FBI agents and Massachusetts State Police, met the plane upon landing at Boston Logan International Airport. Kunapuli was identified by the flight crew and admitted to the FBI that he had masturbated in his seat. He remains in custody and faces one count of lewd, indecent, and obscene acts within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, he could face up to 90 days in prison.

Etihad Airways has not yet commented on the incident. Kunapuli, who does not currently have a lawyer listed in court records, is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2024 12:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).