{
  "id": 318236,
  "title": "Man who tried to open emergency exit on Kochi flight booked for attempt to murder",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/man-who-tried-to-open-emergency-exit-on-kochi-flight-booked-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-08T17:30:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/passenger-who-tried-to-open-emergency-exit-of-kochi-kuala-lumpur-flight-booked-for-attempt-to-murder-101786208322776.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "A passenger, Jamsheer Athanikkal, has been booked for attempt to murder after allegedly attempting to open the emergency exit on a Kuala Lumpur-Kochi flight. The incident occurred on a Batik Air flight OD231, which was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi on Wednesday, August 5. Athanikkal, from Koottanad in Palakkad, was travelling to see his newborn child. The cabin crew intervened and restrained him, preventing further damage to the aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers. Initially, he was booked under Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 11A of the Aircraft Act, and Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act. However, the charge of attempt to murder was added due to the potential threat to the lives of fellow passengers. The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the motive behind the incident, examining Athanikkal's health history and that of his relatives.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}