‘Felt like it’: Panic after passenger smashes emergency exit on Malaysia-Kochi flight

['Shaju Philip', 'Shaju Philip Is A Senior Assistant Editor At The Indian Express', "Where He Leads The Publication'S Coverage Kerala. With Over Years Of Experience In Mainstream Journalism", 'He Is One Of The Most Authoritative Voices On The Socio-Political', 'Religious', 'Developmental Landscape Of South India.', 'Expertise', 'Experience', 'Authority', 'Decades Of Regional Specialization'] The Indian Express 2026-08-06 14:32:11

He was arrested on charges of criminal intimidation [(BNS) 351(3)], failure to follow official safety directions (Aircraft Act 11-A), and risking public safety (Kerala Police Act 118(e). (Special Arrangement)A passenger aboard a Kuala Lumpur to Kochi flight allegedly smashed the emergency exit window panel and attempted to open the emergency exit door while the aircraft was mid-flight on Wednesday night. The incident took place mid-air at Batik Air’s aircraft OD 231. “The incident took place mid-air between 9.30 pm and 11 pm. Without any provocation, he tried to open the emergency exit and destroyed the exit window panel.