The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case in connection with the alleged mid-air hijacking attempt of an Israel-bound flydubai flight and the attack on its Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, on September 30.
The agency has invoked Section 3 of the Anti-Hijacking Act and Section 16, read with Section 15(1)(a), of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The first information report (FIR) identifies the accused who attacked Captain Machchhar as the “Omani First Officer of flydubai flight no.
1073”.
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Mr.
Machchhar sustained deep cuts to his head and hands.
The incident occurred in the Saudi Arabian airspace near the Jordan-Saudi Arabia border.
The government referred the matter to the NIA for registration of a case and investigation, citing the “grave national and international ramifications” of the attack, and the need to investigate the possible “larger conspiracy”.
As part of the investigation, the agency may record statements of eyewitnesses, examine any statements made by the accused, and analyse flight data to establish the sequence of events.
According to information received by the Central government, the flydubai flight departed from Dubai at 7.05 a.m. on September 30, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members.
At 9.21 a.m., the airplane reportedly descended rapidly and turned back into the Saudi airspace while flying near the Jordan-Saudi Arabia border.
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The other pilots on board subsequently landed the airplane safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, around 10:45 a.m.
The Saudi authorities later arrested the first officer.
Captain Machchhar was airlifted to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, where he is recuperating at a hospital.
His statement may also be recorded.
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Here’s how a mid-air attack unfolded
