Man Facing Charge Of Lewd Acts On Boston Flight From India

BOSTON, MA — An Indian man was arrested Monday after being accused of masturbating and exposing himself within the view of two other passengers seated near him on board a flight from Abu Dhani to Boston, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The man — 39-year-old Krishna Kunapuli — was charged by criminal complaint with one count of lewd, indecent, and obscene acts after he "allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward a female passenger on board an Etihad Airlines flight, including touching her hair and taking pictures of her without her permission," officials said.

After a crew member intervened, Kunapuli returned to his seat, but fellow passengers noticed later in the flight that Kunapuli was masturbating under a blanket, according to officials.

A passenger reported Kunapuli to a flight attendant, who intervened and alerted law enforcement, officials said. Kunapuli will appear in federal court in Boston Tuesday.

Kunapuli's charge provides for a sentence of up to 90 days in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000, according to officials.