Dr. Sudipto Mohanty, a 33-year-old Indian American doctor based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been arrested following allegations of indecent exposure and lewd behavior on a flight from Hawaii to Boston in 2022. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Boston confirmed on Thursday of the arrest, stating that Mohanty was accused of committing obscene acts in front of a minor.
The incident reportedly took place on a Hawaiian Airlines flight on May 27, 2022. According to an affidavit filed in a Boston federal court, Mohanty allegedly exposed himself and engaged in inappropriate conduct in the presence of a 14-year-old girl. The teenager alleges that Mohanty covered himself with a blanket, which later slipped, revealing his unzipped pants and exposed genitals. The girl, feeling uncomfortable and disgusted, promptly moved to a different seat.
During the flight, Mohanty was accompanied by a female companion who was asleep with her head resting on his shoulder. Upon arrival in Boston, the minor informed her family about the incident, leading to the involvement of law enforcement.
When questioned by authorities, Mohanty claimed to have no memory of the incident. If found guilty, he could face a sentence of up to 90 days in prison, a year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy emphasized the right of all passengers, especially children, to travel without exposure to lewd conduct. He warned that those engaging in such illicit behavior would be held accountable.
Christopher Dizenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, labeled the act as “reprehensible.” She stressed that the FBI takes crimes committed on aircraft seriously, covering a range of offenses from alleged sexual misconduct to assault, interference with flight crew, and theft.
Mohanty, an internal medicine and primary care doctor with a practice in Boston, was charged with one count of lewd, indecent, and obscene acts while in special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Following his court appearance, he was released on personal recognizance, with conditions including staying away from people under 18 and places where they might gather.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where Mohanty is a primary care physician, stated that he is currently on leave and not practicing at the center. The hospital declined to comment further on personnel matters.