A 36-year-old Indian-origin man, Bhaveshkumar Dahyabhai Shukla, residing in New Jersey, has been charged with sexual assault on a domestic flight in the United States. The FBI is investigating the case, which involves allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with a fellow female passenger aboard a January 26 flight from Belgrade, Montana, to Dallas, Texas.
According to official reports, Shukla allegedly touched the woman’s thighs, lower back, buttocks, and private parts, despite her clearly objecting the first time. After returning from the restroom, the woman was reportedly assaulted again, with Shukla using his coat to conceal his actions. The woman messaged her husband mid-flight, who alerted authorities. Upon landing, airport police were waiting to detain the accused.
Shukla was later arrested in New Jersey, where he resides, and agreed to be transferred to Montana for prosecution. His court hearing is scheduled for April 17. FBI Special Agent Chad McNiven filed the affidavit, citing that another passenger witnessed and corroborated the victim’s version of events.
Interestingly, Shukla claimed he could not speak English—despite having conversed in English with the victim and her daughter during the flight. Nevertheless, a Gujarati interpreter was arranged for his court appearance in New Jersey. The case has drawn attention to the increasing concerns over mid-air misconduct and the role of federal law enforcement in addressing such incidents.
