A 36-year-old Indian national has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly trying to open an emergency exit door mid-flight on a Batik Air plane, forcing the aircraft to divert back to Kuala Lumpur. The incident occurred on Wednesday during a flight from Malaysia to India, at an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet.
Incident Details
Jamsheer Athanikkal, a hospitality worker, was seated in 12A when he allegedly attempted to wrench open the emergency exit. Video footage shows cabin crew and passengers wrestling him away from the door, with visible scratches around the window panel he reportedly tried to break. He was eventually overpowered and restrained with cable ties.
According to a spokesman for Kochi airport police, the incident took place between 9:30pm and 11pm. The spokesman stated: 'Jamsheer was a traveller in seat number 12A. Without any provocation, he tried to open the emergency exit and destroyed the exit window panel. He threatened the co-passengers and the crew, who tried to prevent him. Later, he was overpowered by the co-passengers and the crew.'
Threats and Diversion
Athanikkal allegedly threatened fellow passengers and crew members who intervened. The flight was diverted back to Kuala Lumpur, where he was taken into custody. Initial charges included criminal intimidation, failing to follow official safety directions, and endangering public safety. However, police later added an attempted murder charge, citing the potential risk to lives.
The spokesman explained: 'However, as the act of the accused could have endangered the lives of the co-passengers, we have evoked an attempt to murder charge against him. He has to be questioned in detail as part of the probe.'
Suspect's Statements
During questioning, Athanikkal reportedly told officers he 'felt like doing so at that moment' and that he 'felt like dying while travelling on the flight.' He also mentioned he was flying home to see his newborn child. Police are seeking to remand him in custody and will assess his mental condition as part of the investigation.
The incident highlights the critical importance of cabin crew training and passenger vigilance in handling in-flight security threats. Aviation safety protocols require immediate restraint of any individual posing a risk to the aircraft, as such actions can have catastrophic consequences at high altitudes.
