NIA Takes Over Probe of Alleged flydubai Cockpit Hijack Attemptਫਲਾਈਦੁਬਈ ਕਾਕਪਿਟ ਹਮਲੇ ਦੀ NIA ਜਾਂਚ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe the alleged mid-air attack on flydubai flight FZ1073, in which an Omani first officer allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit in what officials describe as an attempt to hijack or crash the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight. The case was registered on October 9 on the direction of the Union Home Ministry, citing the gravity of the alleged offence and the need to unearth a wider conspiracy.

What happened on flight FZ1073?

On September 30, flydubai flight FZ1073 departed Dubai for Tel Aviv with 174 passengers and six crew members on board. According to the NIA's First Information Report, while the aircraft was in Saudi airspace near the Jordan-Saudi Arabia border, the Omani first officer allegedly stabbed Captain Machchhar, who sustained deep cuts to his head and hands. Passengers reported the attack appeared to be an attempt to hijack the aircraft or cause it to crash. Passengers and crew members overpowered and restrained the accused, while other pilots on board took control of the aircraft and landed it safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia at 10:45 am Gulf Standard Time. Saudi authorities arrested the first officer after the emergency landing.

What does the NIA's FIR say?

The FIR identifies the Omani first officer as the accused. Officials said the case was registered because of the gravity of the alleged offence and the need to investigate a suspected wider conspiracy. The UAE's Attorney General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has publicly identified the first officer as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam Al Hamami and said he allegedly planned to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. Reports citing the UAE's investigation say he had flown to Tel Aviv twice earlier to gather information about the route and the airport. All of these claims remain allegations under investigation; no charges have been proven in court.

Which laws has the NIA invoked?

The NIA has invoked Section 3 of the Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016, which deals with hijacking, along with Section 16 read with Section 15(1)(a) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Section 16 of the UAPA prescribes punishment for terrorist acts, while Section 15(1)(a) covers acts intended or likely to threaten India's unity, integrity, security or sovereignty, or to strike terror among people in India or abroad.

How has India responded to the captain's ordeal?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Machchhar by video call from his hospital bed on October 2 and wished him a speedy recovery, in images released by the Prime Minister's Office. The attack has drawn attention to aviation security on routes out of India, which thousands of Indian workers and travellers use every week.

Who is Captain Smit Machchhar?

Smit Machchhar is the Indian captain who was commanding flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30. He sustained deep cuts to his head and hands in the alleged cockpit attack.

Where exactly did the attack take place?

In Saudi airspace near the Jordan-Saudi Arabia border, while the flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

How was the flight saved?

Passengers and crew overpowered and restrained the accused first officer, and other pilots on board landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.

What happens next in the probe?

The NIA will investigate the circumstances of the incident, the alleged motives of the accused, and the suspected wider conspiracy behind the attack.