Now Reading: Kerala flight passenger charged with attempt to murder after exit bid
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Kerala flight passenger charged with attempt to murder after exit bid
Police have added an attempt to murder charge against Jamsheer Athanikkal, who allegedly tried to force open the emergency exit of a Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi on Wednesday,…
The Story in Brief
Police have added an attempt to murder charge against Jamsheer Athanikkal, who allegedly tried to force open the emergency exit of a Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi on Wednesday, damaged its window panel and threatened passengers and crew. Cabin crew restrained him, and he was arrested on arrival Thursday.
Initially booked under criminal intimidation, the Aircraft Act and the Kerala Police Act, the charge was upgraded because his act 'could have endangered the lives of the co-passengers,' police said. During questioning, Athanikkal said he felt like dying. Police said there was no apparent provocation. They will seek custody on Monday and conduct a mental health evaluation.
The Indian Opinion
The attempt-to-murder charge may seem extreme for a mid-air panic episode, but the risk to 180 lives if the exit had opened justifies the escalation. The lazy narrative here is either that the man is a terrorist or just a poor soul in crisis. Neither is proven. What matters is the investigation: did he act alone? Was there a motive beyond his reported statement of wanting to die? Monday's custody hearing and the psychiatric test will separate fact from fear.
Sources (2): newindianexpress.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
