A passenger was arrested after allegedly attempting to open an emergency exit door aboard a Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi just minutes before landing, triggering panic among passengers and crew.
The accused, identified as 34-year-old Jamshir Athanikkal from Kootanad in Kerala’s Palakkad district, was seated next to an emergency exit, police said.
According to investigators, Athanikkal suddenly stood up during the aircraft’s final descent on Wednesday night, struck the emergency exit window and tried to open the exit door.
He also allegedly threatened cabin crew members and fellow passengers who intervened to stop him.
Passengers and crew eventually overpowered and restrained him until the aircraft landed safely at Cochin International Airport in India at around 11:30pm.
Following a complaint by Batik Air’s security team, personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) took Athanikkal into custody immediately after landing and later handed him over to the Nedumbassery police.
Police have filed a case against him on charges of attempting to damage the aircraft, criminal intimidation and disobeying lawful directions. Authorities said the motive behind the incident remains under investigation.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the case includes charges of criminal intimidation and failure to comply with lawful directions.
However, no charges related to terrorism or unlawful acts against aviation security have been invoked so far.
