NIA registers case to probe cockpit attack on Captain Smit Machchhar aboard flydubai flight

Captain Smit Machchhar is still recovering from his injuries. File pic

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe last month's mid-air cockpit attack on Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a flydubai flight, officials said on Saturday. The case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, they said.

Indian national pilot Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot in the cockpit of flydubai flight FZ1073, while travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 "in an apparent attempt to hijack or cause it to crash," the officials said, citing an FIR registered by the NIA on October 9.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Machchhar soon after the incident and praised his courage and presence of mind. His actions also drew appreciation from Indian officials and authorities in Israel, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the UAE.

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