KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — A man was arrested after allegedly attempting to open an emergency exit door while travelling on a Batik Air flight from Malaysia to India at an altitude of about 9,144 metres.

According to People, the 36-year-old suspect, identified as Jamsheer Athanikkal, allegedly behaved erratically during the flight, which had departed from Malaysia for India recently.

An Indian Express report quoted a police officer as saying the incident occurred between 9.30pm and 11pm local time, with Jamsheer seated in 12A, Kosmo! Online reported. 

“Without any provocation, he tried to open the emergency exit door and damaged the window panel.

“He also threatened other passengers and crew members who tried to stop him,” the officer said.

Video footage of the incident shared on social media showed several crew members restraining Jamsheer with zip ties.

He was arrested after the aircraft landed at Kochi International Airport on suspicion of criminal intimidation, failure to comply with safety instructions and endangering public safety.

Asked about his motive, Jamsheer reportedly told police that he acted because he suddenly felt like doing so.