Indian-origin man, 21, arrested in US for ‘grabbing passenger’s neck’ mid-flight
A 21-year-old Indian-origin man was arrested after allegedly attacking a fellow passenger aboard a Frontier Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Miami on June 30.
The incident, partially captured in a video, shows a physical altercation between Ishaan Sharma of Newark, New Jersey, and another passenger, Keanu Evans.
According to reports, the confrontation began shortly after Sharma returned to his seat.
Evans, who was seated directly in front of Sharma, told authorities that the assault was unprovoked. He claimed Sharma began making threatening remarks, including ominous statements such as, “You puny, mortal man. If you challenge me, it will result in your death.”
Evans said he initially tried to defuse the situation by alerting flight attendants and pressing the assistance button. However, he alleged that Sharma escalated the conflict by physically grabbing him by the neck.
“Suddenly he just grabs me by the throat and starts choking me,” Evans said in an interview with 7News.
“At that moment, I had no choice but to defend myself.”
Video footage shared by other passengers shows the two men grappling as others plead for them to stop. Flight crew intervened to break up the fight.
Sharma was taken into custody upon landing in Miami and has been charged with battery. During his court appearance on Tuesday, Sharma’s attorney said the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding while his client was meditating, a practice related to his religious beliefs.
The attorney suggested that a fellow passenger may have misinterpreted Sharma’s behaviour, leading to rising tensions.
Eyewitness accounts reportedly vary.
While Evans maintains that the assault was unprovoked, at least two passengers claimed that Evans had made hostile remarks toward Sharma earlier in the flight.
Sharma remains in custody on a $500 bond. A judge has issued a stay-away order, prohibiting contact between Sharma and Evans as the case proceeds.
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