Varanasi: A passenger travelling on an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Varanasi was booked after allegedly attempting to open the aircraft’s emergency exit door moments before landing, triggering panic among passengers and forcing the pilot to carry out a go-around manoeuvre at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
According to officials, the incident occurred on Saturday night aboard IndiGo flight 6E-185 (aircraft VT-IRW) while the aircraft was preparing to land in Varanasi.
Pilot Aborts Landing After Emergency Exit Tampering
Authorities said the aircraft was approaching the airport around 10:20 pm when a passenger allegedly attempted to tamper with the emergency exit door. Acting swiftly, the pilot aborted the landing and took the aircraft back into the air to ensure passenger safety.
The aircraft eventually landed safely at approximately 10:35 pm, with no injuries reported among the passengers or crew members.
More than 100 passengers were on board the flight, and the sudden manoeuvre reportedly caused brief panic inside the cabin before the situation was brought under control.
Passenger Restrained by Cabin Crew
Officials revealed that the accused passenger had earlier tried to interfere with the emergency exit shortly after takeoff, but the cabin crew intervened and restrained him.
Despite the initial warning, he again attempted to tamper with the exit as the aircraft was nearing Varanasi, prompting the pilot to take precautionary action.
The passenger has been identified as 26-year-old Mohammad Adnan.
Passenger Claims “Ghost Influence” During Interrogation
Following the safe landing, the passenger was taken into custody and questioned by security agencies.
During the initial interrogation, he reportedly claimed that he was under the “influence of a ghost” when he attempted to press the emergency exit button. However, he later told investigators that he was unaware that pressing the button could potentially open the emergency exit door.
Security officials are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Legal Action Initiated
After landing, the passenger was handed over to IndiGo security personnel and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) stationed at the airport. He was later transferred to the local police for further investigation.
Based on a complaint filed by IndiGo Assistant Security Manager Devanshu Pratap Singh, police registered a case against the passenger under Section 125, which relates to acts endangering the life or personal safety of others.
Police Statement
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gomti Zone) Akash Patel confirmed that the accused was served a legal notice after questioning. Following the initial investigation, he was later handed over to his parents, while the inquiry into the incident continues.
Aviation Safety Protocols Highlighted
Aviation authorities note that tampering with emergency exits or safety equipment on an aircraft is considered a serious violation of aviation safety rules. Airlines and airport security agencies follow strict protocols in such situations to prevent any threat to passengers, crew members, or the aircraft.
The swift response by the flight crew and airport security agencies ensured that the situation remained under control and the flight landed safely without further complications.
