A Boston man named Dr. Sudipta Mohanty has been arrested and charged for engaging in lewd and indecent acts while on a flight from Honolulu to Boston in May 2022. The charges include masturbating and exposing himself in the presence of a 14-year-old girl who was seated next to him.
The 33-year-old internal medicine and primary care doctor was charged with one count of lewd, indecent, and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. After his arrest, Mohanty was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized the importance of protecting children from such lewd conduct while traveling. He stated that anyone who engages in this type of illicit behavior will be caught and held accountable, regardless of where it happens.
Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Boston, described Mohanty’s alleged actions as reprehensible. He emphasized that the FBI takes crimes aboard aircraft seriously, ranging from sexual misconduct to assault, interfering with the flight crew, and theft.
According to the charging documents, Mohanty was a passenger on a Hawaiian Airlines Flight from Honolulu to Boston on May 27, 2022. He was accompanied by a female companion and happened to be seated next to a 14-year-old minor who was traveling with her grandparents in nearby seats.
Approximately halfway through the flight, the minor allegedly noticed that Mohanty had covered himself with a blanket up to his neck and that his leg was bouncing up and down. Shortly after, the minor observed that the blanket had fallen to the floor, exposing Mohanty, who was masturbating. In response, the minor moved herself to an empty seat in a different row for the remainder of the flight.
After landing in Boston, the minor informed her family about the incident, leading to the notification of law enforcement.
The charge of lewd, indecent, and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States carries a potential sentence of up to 90 days in prison, one year of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $5,000. The severity of the sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable statutes.
This disturbing incident highlights the importance of passenger safety and the need for individuals engaging in criminal behavior to be held accountable for their actions. It also serves as a reminder for parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to report any inappropriate behavior observed during flights to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched as it addresses not only the specific allegations against Dr. Sudipta Mohanty but also the broader issue of preventing and addressing misconduct aboard aircraft. It serves as a reminder to airlines, passengers, and law enforcement agencies alike to prioritize safety and security when traveling and to take swift action against any individuals who violate the rights of others.
Ultimately, every individual, especially children, deserves to travel without being subjected to lewd conduct or any form of harassment. The response to this case will further determine the measures and regulations that may be implemented to safeguard passengers from such incidents in the future.
As for Dr. Sudipta Mohanty, he will face the legal consequences of his alleged actions, which may have a significant impact on his professional and personal life. The charges against him shed light on the importance of maintaining ethical conduct and responsible behavior, particularly for individuals in positions of trust and authority.
Overall, this case serves as a reminder that inappropriate behavior on flights will not be tolerated, and law enforcement agencies are committed to taking swift action to protect the safety and well-being of passengers, especially minors who are particularly vulnerable to such incidents.
