KUALA LUMPUR – A man was apprehended after allegedly attempting to open an emergency exit door during a Batik Air flight from Malaysia to India. The incident occurred recently while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 9,144 meters.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Jamsheer Athanikkal, reportedly exhibited erratic behavior throughout the flight. According to an Indian Express report, citing a police officer, the incident transpired between 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM local time. Athanikkal was seated in seat 12A, as reported by Kosmo! Online.
“Without any provocation, he tried to open the emergency exit door and damaged the window panel,” the officer stated. “He also threatened other passengers and crew members who tried to stop him.”
Social media footage of the event depicts several crew members using zip ties to restrain Athanikkal. Upon the aircraft’s landing at Kochi International Airport, he was arrested on suspicion of criminal intimidation, failing to comply with safety instructions, and endangering public safety.
When questioned about his actions, Athanikkal reportedly informed police that he had acted because he suddenly felt compelled to do so.
