Man who tried to open emergency exit on Kochi flight booked for attempt to murder
The passenger, identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal of Koottanad in Palakkad, was travelling on the Batik Air flight OD231 from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi.
A passenger aboard a Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi attempted to open the emergency exit, damaging the panel, on August 5. The incident occurred mid-flight between 9:30 pm and 11:05 pm. The accused, Jamsheer Athanikkal from Koottanad in Palakkad, was subsequently arrested upon landing in Kochi. Police filed charges against him for attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, violating aircraft safety directives, and endangering public safety.
Athanikkal, who had been working in Malaysia for ten years, had stated that he felt like dying during the flight, though no provocation was mentioned. He exhibited violent behavior during a magistrate’s questioning. Police are investigating the motive behind the incident and plan to interrogate the accused further. They are also collecting statements from other passengers and the cabin crew, currently abroad. Additional charges may be added if further evidence surfaces during the investigation.
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