What Happened Mid-Air? Indian-Origin Man Arrested After Alleged Attack on Flight

Incident on Frontier Flight

Washington: Authorities have detained a 21-year-old man of Indian descent in Miami following an alleged mid-air assault on another passenger.

The altercation took place on June 30 during a Frontier Airlines flight traveling from Philadelphia to Miami.

While the accused, Ishaan Sharma, reportedly attacked another passenger, he also sustained an injury near his eye, whereas the victim, identified as Keanu Evans, incurred minor injuries.

Upon landing in Miami, Sharma was taken into custody and charged with battery, which involves causing harm or offense to another individual.

In a court appearance on Tuesday, his bail was set at $500, and he was ordered to maintain distance from the victim.

Sharma's attorney argued that his client was engaged in meditation, which the victim misinterpreted as a threat.

"My client practices a religion that involves meditation. Unfortunately, the passenger behind him found it unsettling," the lawyer explained.

A viral video captured the confrontation, showing both men attempting to grab each other's necks, with bystanders urging them to stop.

Victim Evans recounted to media that Sharma made bizarre remarks and issued threats.

After going to the restroom, Evans alerted flight attendants about Sharma, who advised him to use the assistance button if the situation persisted.

Evans claimed that pressing the button angered Sharma, who allegedly threatened, "You puny, mortal man, if you challenge me, it will result in your death," as reported by 7News.

The situation escalated further, leading to Sharma allegedly choking Evans.