Indian-American doctor accused of performing lewd act next to minor on flight acquitted

A 33-year-old doctor of Indian-American origin has been arrested in the United States for allegedly exposing himself and performing a lewd act next to a teenage girl onboard a flight.

The incident reportedly occurred aboard a flight from Honolulu to Boston in May last year. The accused was taken into custody on Thursday and charged through a criminal complaint with a single count of committing lewd, indecent, and obscene acts while within the special jurisdiction of U.S. aircraft.


The accused, an internal medicine and primary care doctor, was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston. Later, a US District Court found the accused not guilty and acquitted him of the charge.

As per the teenager's complaint, the incident happened in a Hawaiian Airlines Flight journey from Honolulu to Boston on May 27, 2022. The accused doctor was reportedly a passenger on the flight, accompanied by a female associate. Seated beside a 14-year-old minor who was traveling with her grandparents in proximity, the accused is said to have engaged in inappropriate behavior.

According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office, "Approximately midway through the flight, the minor allegedly noticed that the accused had concealed himself with a blanket up to his neck, and that his leg was exhibiting repetitive movements."

The statement continues, "Shortly thereafter, the minor realized that the blanket had fallen to the floor, leaving the accused exposed while he was masturbating. The minor relocated herself to an unoccupied seat in a different row for the remainder of the flight." Following the flight's arrival in Boston, the minor communicated the incident to her family members, prompting notification to law enforcement authorities.

The charges of committing lewd, indecent, and obscene acts within the special jurisdiction of U.S. aircraft carry potential penalties of up to 90 days of imprisonment, a maximum of one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to USD 5,000, as stated in the press release.

In a press statement, Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy remarked, "Every individual, especially minors, should be free from exposure to offensive behavior during their travels."

Levy added, "Engaging in the kind of illicit conduct alleged in this case will lead to identification and accountability, regardless of where it occurs."

With agency inputs