What was supposed to be a routine flight from Kuala Lumpur to India turned frightening after a passenger allegedly tried to force open an emergency exit while the plane was still in the air.
The incident happened onboard Batik Air flight OD231, which was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi, India, on Wednesday night (Aug 5), according to India Today.
Allegedly tried to force open emergency exit
The passenger was identified as 36-year-old Jamsheer Athanikkal from Koottanad in Kerala’s Palakkad district.
According to an FIR cited by Hindustan Times, the incident reportedly happened while the aircraft was still in the air.
Jamsheer allegedly interfered with the emergency exit and damaged its inner window panel while attempting to force the door open.
He was also accused of threatening other passengers and cabin crew, causing concern over the safety of those onboard.
Cabin crew members and fellow passengers reportedly stepped in and restrained him before the situation could escalate further.
Despite the attempt, the emergency exit itself did not open.
Passengers reportedly awakened by loud noise
A fellow passenger, Matty Mathew, later shared an account of what happened onboard.
According to India Today, several passengers were sleeping when they were suddenly awakened by a loud noise.
Mathew said the incident caused panic among those onboard before passengers and crew managed to bring the situation under control.
The aircraft continued its journey and landed safely at Cochin International Airport.
Arrested after landing in Kochi
After the flight arrived in Kochi in the early hours of Thursday (Aug 6), Jamsheer was detained by Central Industrial Security Force personnel before being handed over to Nedumbassery Police.
The case was reportedly filed following a complaint from Batik Air’s security officer in Kochi.
According to The Times of India, police subsequently arrested the passenger over the incident.
Authorities reportedly booked him under provisions relating to criminal intimidation, aircraft safety and public safety.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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