A 36-year-old Indian national was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after reportedly trying to open an emergency exit door on a flight at 30,000 feet. The man, identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal, was traveling on a Batik Air service from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi on August 5 when the incident occurred.
Seated in row 12A, he allegedly damaged the window panel of the emergency exit without warning and attempted to force the door open during cruise. Fellow passengers and cabin crew intervened to stop him after he reportedly threatened them, and he was overpowered.
Authorities said he later told officers he acted because he felt like it at the time and had felt like dying during the flight. Police noted the actions did not appear linked to job loss or personal crisis.
Upon landing in Kochi, he was charged with criminal intimidation, ignoring safety instructions, endangering public safety, and attempted murder. Investigators are examining possible additional charges under aviation security laws and plan to seek custody for further questioning. The crew is returning to Malaysia to provide statements.
