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A passenger aboard a Kuala Lumpur-Kochi flight was arrested on Thursday for allegedly attempting to force open the aircraft's emergency exit mid-flight and threatening crew members and fellow passengers. Police said that the individual also damaged the exit's window panel.
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The Mid-Air Chaos
The accused, identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal, an Indian national from Kootannad, Kerala, was travelling on Batik Air Flight OD231 from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi on Wednesday. According to the FIR, the incident occurred between 9:30 PM and 11:05 PM while the aircraft was in flight, news agency PTI reported.
The FIR alleged that Jamsheer tried to force open the aircraft's emergency exit, damaged its window panel, and threatened passengers and cabin crew, directly endangering everyone on board. Cabin crew members and passengers quickly intervened to restrain him.
Several videos of the incident have surfaced on social media, showing crew members and passengers trying to stop Jamsheer as he tried to open the emergency exit.
What Happened Next?
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Batik Air's Security In-Charge at Kochi. Immediately after disembarking, the passenger was taken into custody by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and handed over to the Nedumbassery Police Station for further legal action.
According to police, the accused has been booked under Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal intimidation, Section 11A of the Aircraft Act for violating safety or security directions, and Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act for acts endangering public safety.
The airline initiated the necessary procedures in accordance with aviation regulations. Following a necessary safety inspection and \repairs, the aircraft was cleared for operations and has departed on its return flight.
(With Inputs From Agencies)