Footage shows the moment a passenger tried to open an emergency exit mid-flight before being restrained with cable ties. The incident occurred on a Batik Air flight from Malaysia to India on Wednesday, while the aircraft was at 30,000 feet.
Jamsheer Athanikkal, a 36-year-old Indian national, allegedly attempted to wrench open the emergency exit from his seat in 12A. Scratches were visible around the window panel he reportedly tried to break. Passengers and cabin crew fought to overpower him and used cable ties to restrain him.
Threats and Diversion
It is alleged that Athanikkal threatened fellow passengers who tried to stop him. The flight was diverted back to Kuala Lumpur, where he was taken into custody.
Athanikkal, who works in hospitality, reportedly told officers during questioning that he had 'felt like doing so at that moment' and that he had 'felt like dying while travelling on the flight'. He added he was flying home to see his newborn child.
Arrest and Charges
A spokesman for Kochi airport police said the incident happened between 9.30pm and 11pm. He said: '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.'
Athanikkal was initially arrested on suspicion of criminal intimidation, failing to follow official safety directions, and endangering public safety. Officers have now also arrested him on suspicion of attempted murder.
The spokesman added: '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.' Police want to remand Athanikkal in custody and will establish his mental condition during the investigation.
