Passenger arrested after trying to open emergency exit on Kochi-bound Batik Air flight | WATCH

A passenger was arrested after allegedly attempting to open the emergency exit of a Batik Air flight travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi, prompting swift intervention by the cabin crew and fellow passengers.

The accused has been identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal, an Indian national from Kootannad in Kerala's Palakkad district. He was taken into custody after the flight landed at Kochi airport on Thursday.

Mid-air incident prompts immediate action

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident took place while Batik Air flight OD231 was en route to Kochi on Wednesday night.

Police said the alleged attempt occurred between 9.30 pm and 11.05 pm while the aircraft was in the air.

Videos circulating on social media after the flight landed appear to show members of the cabin crew and passengers trying to restrain the accused as he allegedly attempted to tamper with the emergency exit.

Police detail allegations

The FIR states that the passenger allegedly tried to force open the aircraft's emergency exit and damaged the window panel attached to the door.

Police further alleged that he threatened fellow passengers during the incident, creating panic and endangering the safety of those on board.

The complaint was filed by Batik Air's Security In-Charge at Kochi after the aircraft landed.

Case registered under multiple laws

After passengers disembarked, CISF personnel took the accused into custody and handed him over to the Nedumbassery Police Station for further investigation.

Police have registered a case under Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal intimidation, Section 11A of the Aircraft Act for violating safety or security directions, and Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act for acts endangering public safety.

The investigation into the incident is underway, while authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to open the emergency exit during the flight.