KOCHI, India – Passengers and crew members restrained a 34-year-old man after he allegedly tried to open an emergency exit on a Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi shortly before landing on August 5. The man, identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal from Kerala, was seated near an emergency exit when he reportedly stood up during the aircraft’s final descent and attempted to open the door. Passengers and crew intervened and restrained him until the aircraft landed safely at Cochin International Airport at around 11:30 p.m.
India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) took the man into custody after receiving a report from the airline’s security team and later handed him over to local police. Police reportedly filed charges including allegedly attempting to damage the aircraft, criminal intimidation and disobeying lawful orders. His motive remains unclear. The incident caused alarm among passengers but was brought under control before the aircraft landed safely.
