On Monday, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) detained a man identified as Mani R as he attempted to open the cockpit of Air India Express flight IX-1085 from Bengaluru to Varanasi. The man was arrested at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The attempt was prevented by the flight’s pilot.
The Phulpur Police station in charge, Praveen Kumar Singh, informed that after the flight landed in Varanasi, the CISF personnel apprehended Mani R of Bengaluru and detained his eight companions as well. Following initial interrogation, all nine were handed over to Phulpur Police Station.
The Phulpur police are now proceeding with the detailed interrogation based on a formal case. Previously, terror overtook the flight when Mani R, who was traveling with a group of eight, attempted to enter the cockpit by entering the right door code. However, sensing a probable hijack attempt, the flight captain decided not to open the door, thereby avoiding imminent danger.
A fellow passenger reported the event on social media, writing on X: "An @AirIndiaX passenger attempted to open the cockpit door of Bengaluru-Varanasi flight IX-1086 today. Even after he entered the correct PIN, the captain refused to unlock the door for fear of a hijack. The person was flying with eight others."
After the plane landed safely, the passengers were relieved and evacuated properly. The interrogation apparently focused on determining how Mani R gained the cockpit passcode, which is a severe security problem.
The passengers were seen pissed and frightened by the behavior of Mani R and his companion. The passengers were seen discussing the unusual behavior. Several people were seen recounting the moment, and they were visibly very confused.
