Indian Passenger allegedly breaks emergency exit panel on Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi

KOCHI, Aug 7: A 36-year-old Indian passenger was arrested after allegedly attempting to open an emergency exit door during a Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi, police said.

The incident occurred aboard Batik Air flight OD231 on Wednesday night while the aircraft was in flight. The passenger, identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal from Kerala’s Palakkad district, allegedly damaged the emergency exit window panel and tried to force open the door, creating a potential safety risk.

According to police, the passenger was seated in 12A and allegedly damaged the protective panel using his foot before attempting to open the exit. Cabin crew and other passengers intervened and restrained him until the aircraft landed safely at Cochin International Airport at around 11.10pm.

CISF personnel detained Athanikkal after landing and handed him over to police. A case was registered following a complaint by Batik Air’s security official at the airport.

Police booked him under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Aircraft Act and the Kerala Police Act relating to criminal intimidation, aircraft safety violations and acts endangering public safety.

Cochin International Airport Limited said the aircraft was inspected and repaired before being cleared for further operations. Police are investigating the passenger’s motive. Preliminary inquiries did not confirm reports that he was under the influence of alcohol.