IndiGo passenger arrested for attempting to open emergency exit twice
An IndiGo passenger was arrested after attempting to open an emergency exit door twice during a flight from Bengaluru to Varanasi. The passenger claimed to be 'possessed by a ghost' and stated he was unaware of the door's function. The crew's swift action averted a potential disaster, leading to a safe landing and subsequent arrest.
Key Highlights
- Passenger tried to open emergency exit door twice on IndiGo flight.
- Incident occurred on Bengaluru to Varanasi flight 6E-185.
- Passenger claimed he was 'possessed by a ghost'.
- Crew intervention and pilot's go-around ensured safe landing.
- Passenger arrested and booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Investigation involves multiple security agencies.
A concerning incident unfolded aboard an IndiGo flight (6E-185) en route from Bengaluru to Varanasi on Saturday night, March 28, 2026, when a passenger, identified as Mohammad Adnan from Mau district in Uttar Pradesh, made two attempts to open the aircraft's emergency exit door. The first attempt occurred approximately 15 minutes after the flight's departure from Bengaluru, around 8:15 PM. The cabin crew promptly intervened, and Adnan reportedly claimed it was an accident and was cautioned. Despite the initial warning, the situation escalated again shortly before the scheduled landing at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. As the aircraft neared the runway, around 10:20 PM, Adnan made a second attempt to operate the emergency exit. Alerted by the cabin crew, the pilot executed a go-around, aborting the landing as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers. The flight eventually landed safely at approximately 10:35 PM.
Following the safe landing, Adnan was handed over to airline security and personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who then transferred him to the local police. During interrogation, Adnan presented a baffling account of his actions. Initially, he claimed confusion and later stated he was "possessed by a ghost." He also reportedly told officials that he was unaware that pressing the button could open the aircraft door and that it was his first time flying and he felt anxious. The police have registered a case against him under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with acts endangering the life or personal safety of others. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple agencies, including the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), questioning Adnan. Reports indicate that Adnan had recently traveled to Goa and was returning from that trip.
The swift and professional response of the IndiGo cabin crew and flight deck was crucial in averting a potential disaster, preventing panic from escalating into a crisis, and ensuring the safe arrival of all passengers. The incident underscores the critical importance of vigilance by the cabin crew and adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry. It also highlights the need for thorough investigation into such unusual passenger behavior, considering both criminal intent and potential psychological factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on the IndiGo flight?
A passenger named Mohammad Adnan attempted to open the emergency exit door twice on an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Varanasi. The cabin crew intervened both times, and the pilot performed a go-around before a safe landing. Adnan was arrested upon arrival.
Why did the passenger try to open the emergency exit?
During interrogation, the passenger claimed he was 'possessed by a ghost' and also stated he was unaware that pressing the button could open the door. He also mentioned it was his first flight and he felt anxious.
What actions were taken by the crew and authorities?
The cabin crew intervened immediately to prevent the passenger from opening the door. The pilot aborted the landing and performed a go-around. Upon landing, the passenger was handed over to security and police, and a case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Was there any danger to the passengers?
While the attempts posed a significant risk, the swift actions of the cabin crew and the pilot averted a disaster, ensuring a safe landing for all 154 passengers on board. No injuries were reported.
