Passenger arrested for attempting to open emergency exit on Kochi-bound flight from Kuala Lumpur mid-air

image for representation only | Photo Credit: AP The Nedumbassery police have booked a passenger accused of unruly behaviour and damaging the aircraft headed for Kochi from Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (August 6, 2026).The passenger identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal, of Kootannad in Kerala, arrived by a Batik Air flight (OD 231) at 2.40 a.m. He was taken into custody by the Central Industrial Security Force and then handed over to the police. A case was registered on a complaint by the airline security in-charge.The alleged unruly behaviour occurred on Wednesday (August 5, 2026) between 9.30 p.m. and 11.05 p.m. According to the First Information Report, the accused allegedly tried to force open the emergency exit door and damaged its window panel mid-flight. He was also accused of threatening his co-passengers.He has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 351 (criminal intimidation), the Aircraft Act Section 11A (failure to comply with any direction issued) and the Kerala Police Act Section 118(e) (knowingly does any act which causes danger to public or failure in public safety).The airline concerned has initiated the necessary procedures in accordance with the applicable regulations. The aircraft, which was cleared for operations after the mandatory inspection and repairs, has since departed on its return leg, said airport sources. Published - August 06, 2026 04:11 pm IST