Dallas, TX | March 2025 — A two-and-a-half-hour flight from Montana to Texas turned into a nightmare for one woman — and a dramatic mid-air alert for her husband — after she texted him in distress, claiming that the man seated next to her was sexually assaulting her in the presence of her young daughter.
Now, newly filed court documents have revealed shocking details for the first time, as the FBI has reopened the case and charged Bhaveshkumar Dahyabhai Shukla, an Indian-origin man, with abusive sexual contact on an aircraft.
According to an affidavit by FBI Special Agent Chad McNiven, the incident occurred aboard American Airlines flight AA817 from Belgrade, Montana to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFIA) on January 26, 2025.
Text Message Triggered FBI Response
Unable to help his wife mid-flight, the victim’s quick-thinking husband sprang into action. After receiving alarming texts from his wife describing the assault, he immediately contacted the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center (NTOC).
The alert ensured that law enforcement officers were waiting at the gate in Dallas by the time the aircraft landed at 6:17 p.m. Central Time.
The victim, referred to in court documents as Jane Doe, later told FBI investigators that Shukla began by engaging her in casual conversation after flight attendants had completed their service. But the interaction turned sinister when he allegedly began touching her thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
After she told him to stop, she took her daughter to the restroom in an effort to create distance. But when she returned, Shukla resumed his behavior — this time more aggressively.
Jane Doe recounted how she tried to shield her daughter, who was seated by the window, from witnessing the assault. Shukla allegedly used a jacket to conceal his hand as he continued to touch her hip, thigh, and vagina, despite her repeated protests.
A Witness and Contradictory Claims
A fellow passenger also witnessed the incident and confirmed to authorities that he saw Shukla touching the victim inappropriately.
When confronted by police at Dallas Airport, Shukla denied any wrongdoing and claimed not to speak English — a claim directly contradicted by the victim, who said he had conversed fluently with her and her daughter before takeoff.
Although Shukla was initially allowed to leave, the FBI formally reopened the case and charged him under 18 U.S.C. § 2244(b) (Abusive Sexual Contact) and 49 U.S.C. § 46506(1) (Criminal Laws on Aircraft). If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison.
A Growing Concern in U.S. Skies
The case adds to a troubling pattern. In 2023 alone, the FBI opened 96 cases related to in-flight sexual assaults. With warmer weather and increased travel expected, FBI officials are urging travelers to stay alert.
Flyers are urged to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to stay safe,” said Mehtab Syed, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Keep the armrest down, request a seat change if needed, and report uncomfortable behavior to flight attendants immediately.
The FBI emphasized that victims can report incidents at any time, but encouraged immediate reporting during the flight, which enables crew to separate passengers and alert law enforcement to meet the plane upon landing.
This document is part of a publicly filed criminal complaint in U.S. District Court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.