Indian-origin man accused of sexually assaulting co-passenger on US flight

NEW DELHI: A 36-year-old Indian-origin man , Bhaveshkumar Dahyabhai Shukla , has been charged with sexually assaulting a fellow passenger during a domestic flight in the US, federal authorities announced.

According to Montana federal prosecutor Kurt Alme, Shukla— a resident of Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey— was indicted on one count of " abusive sexual contact " under the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

"If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a minimum of five years of supervised release," the statement said.

The charges stem from an incident on January 26, 2025, aboard an American Airlines flight from Bozeman, Montana, to Dallas, Texas. The indictment alleges Shukla engaged in unwanted sexual contact with another passenger.

Shukla is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on April 17, 2025.

The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office, following an investigation by the FBI, ICE, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Police.