Kerala man arrested for trying to open emergency exit on Kuala Lumpur-Kochi flight

Nedumbassery police have registered a case against a passenger for allegedly attempting to force open an emergency exit door on a Batik Air flight heading to Kochi from Kuala Lumpur. The incident occurred mid-air on Wednesday night, according to officials.

The accused, identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal, a resident of Kootannad in Kerala, arrived at Cochin International Airport on Thursday at 2.40 a.m. aboard flight OD 231. He was taken into custody by the Central Industrial Security Force and later handed over to the police. A complaint was filed by the airline's security in-charge.

According to the First Information Report, the alleged unruly behaviour took place between 9.30 p.m. and 11.05 p.m. on Wednesday. The passenger is accused of trying to break open the emergency exit door and damaging its window panel during the flight. He is also alleged to have threatened co-passengers.

The authorities have booked him under multiple legal provisions, including Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (criminal intimidation), Section 11A of the Aircraft Act (failure to comply with any direction issued), and Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act (knowingly doing any act that causes danger to public or failure in public safety).

Aviation safety regulations strictly prohibit interference with emergency exits and equipment during flight. Such actions can jeopardise the safety of all on board and are treated as serious offences. The airline has initiated the necessary procedures in accordance with applicable regulations, and the aircraft was cleared for operations after mandatory inspection and repairs. It has since departed for its return journey, airport sources said.

Further investigation is underway. The police have not yet released any statement regarding the passenger's motive or his current status.