National Investigation Agency Takes Over Probe Into Mid-Air Attack On Indian Pilot

The National Investigation Agency has registered a case to probe the mid-air cockpit attack on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a flydubai flight. The Centre directed the federal agency to investigate a larger conspiracy behind the incident.

The Incident

Flight 1073 departed Dubai on September 30 at 7.05 am with 174 passengers and six crew members. An Omani first officer allegedly stabbed Captain Machchhar in the cockpit in an apparent attempt to hijack or crash the aircraft while flying near the Jordan-Saudi Arabia border. The captain suffered deep cuts to his head and hands before passengers and crew members stepped in to restrain the co-pilot. Other flydubai pilots on board landed the plane safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk at 10.45 am, and Saudi authorities arrested the first officer after landing.

Legal Action

The case was registered under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, the Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016, and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967. According to The Hindu, the NIA formally registered the FIR on October 9. The investigation will examine whether the co-pilot acted alone or as part of a larger group.

Context

Cross-border aviation incidents involving terror laws usually trigger multi-country security probes to trace any wider terror links. Federal agencies step in when crimes cross international borders and carry serious national security concerns.