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A passenger on Batik Air flight OD231 from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi was arrested after allegedly trying to open an emergency exit mid-air, causing panic among travellers. Jamsheer Athanikkal, 36, a native of Palakkad working in Malaysia, was seated near the exit when the incident occurred between 9.30 pm and 11.05 pm on August 5, 2026.

According to the FIR, he smashed the emergency exit window panel and attempted to force the door open while threatening passengers and crew. Cabin staff and fellow passengers quickly restrained him. The aircraft landed safely at Cochin International Airport around 2.40 am, where CISF personnel detained him and handed him over to Nedumbassery police.

Police said a medical check found he was not under the influence of alcohol. When questioned, Athanikkal stated he “felt like doing so at that moment” and offered no other provocation. He has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Aircraft Act and Kerala Police Act for endangering public safety.