A Batik Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Kochi, India, was forced to return to Malaysia after a passenger allegedly attempted to open an emergency exit at 30,000 feet. The incident occurred on Wednesday.
Indian national Jamsheer Athanikkal, 36, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder of his fellow flyers. According to police, Athanikkal opened the emergency exit and smashed the window panel without provocation. He also allegedly threatened passengers and crew members who attempted to intervene.
Passengers and crew members managed to overpower and restrain Athanikkal with cable ties. The pilot subsequently diverted the flight back to Malaysia, where authorities arrested the suspect.
Kochi airport police stated that Athanikkal told officers he had "felt like dying while travelling on the flight." He reportedly said he "felt like doing so at that moment" and was flying home to see his newborn child. Police are investigating his motive and seeking to remand him in custody to ascertain his mental condition.
Authorities are considering charging Athanikkal under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation Act, which addresses offenses committed on board an aircraft. He has also been arrested on charges including criminal intimidation, failure to follow official safety directions, and risking public safety. Police emphasized that the attempted murder charge was invoked because the suspect's actions could have endangered the lives of all passengers on board.