New Delhi, October 10 (TNA) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered an FIR under the Anti-Hijacking Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the alleged mid-air attack on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Flydubai flight, officials said on Saturday.
The case was registered on October 9 following a direction from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which cited the seriousness of the incident, its international ramifications and the need to investigate a possible larger conspiracy.
According to the FIR, Machchhar was allegedly stabbed by the Omani first officer inside the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30. The Dubai–Tel Aviv flight was reportedly travelling through Saudi Arabian airspace near the Jordan-Saudi border when the incident occurred.
The attack was allegedly aimed at hijacking the aircraft or causing it to crash. Machchhar reportedly suffered deep cuts to his head and hands but managed to prevent the situation from escalating and helped ensure the aircraft’s safe operation.
The NIA has registered the case under Section 3 of the Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016, and relevant provisions of the UAPA. The accused has been identified in the FIR as the Omani first officer.
The agency is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack, question the injured pilot and coordinate with authorities in the United Arab Emirates and other countries involved in the investigation. Officials said the probe will focus on whether the incident was an isolated act or part of a wider conspiracy.
The agency is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack, question the injured pilot and coordinate with authorities in the United Arab Emirates and other countries involved in the investigation. Officials said the probe will focus on whether the incident was an isolated act or part of a wider conspiracy.