A Batik Air passenger was arrested after allegedly attempting to open an emergency exit door during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi, India, triggering panic among passengers and prompting swift intervention by the cabin crew and fellow travellers.
The incident occurred aboard Batik Air flight OD231, a Boeing 737, which departed Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday night (5 August). According to Indian police, the alleged attempt took place between 9.30 PM and 11.05 PM while the aircraft was cruising at altitude.
“Extremely frightening experience”
The incident first gained attention after an Instagram user, ourwanderinglives, shared an account of the frightening ordeal. The passenger said most people on board had been asleep during the overnight flight when they were suddenly awakened by a loud rushing sound, described as wind roaring through the cabin.
A man seated near the emergency exit allegedly damaged the inner window panel of the emergency exit before attempting to interfere with the door.
“Fortunately, due to the aircraft’s design and cabin pressurisation, the emergency exit remained securely closed.”
“It was an extremely frightening experience,” the passenger wrote.
Cabin crew reacted swiftly, man arrested upon landing
The post added that nearby passengers and Batik Air cabin crew reacted quickly, restraining the individual before the situation could escalate further. Police later identified the suspect as Jamsheer Athanikkal, 36, a native of Palakkad who currently resides in Sreemoolanagaram, Kerala.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Jamsheer allegedly kicked and damaged the emergency exit’s inner window panel before attempting to force the door open. He is also accused of threatening fellow passengers and members of the cabin crew during the incident.
The aircraft landed safely at Kochi International Airport in the early hours of Thursday, where Kerala Police took the suspect into custody upon arrival, as reported by The Hindustan Times.
The case was registered following a complaint lodged by Batik Air’s Security In-Charge in Kochi. Authorities said investigations are ongoing.
Police said Jamsheer has been charged under Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal intimidation, Section 11A of the Aircraft Act for violating aircraft safety and security directives, and Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act for acts endangering public safety.
WORLD OF BUZZ has reached out to Batik Air for comment but has yet to receive a response. Stay tuned for more updates.
