New Delhi: The government has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to register a case and investigate the attack on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a flyDubai flight on September 30, while it was on its way to Tel Aviv in Israel from Dubai.
The aircraft went into a sharp dive after the attack before being brought under control and diverted to an airport in Saudi Arabia.
According to information cited by the Centre, flyDubai Flight 1073, piloted by Capt Machchhar and the Omani first officer, departed from Dubai on September 30 at 7.05 am Gulf Standard Time (GST), carrying 174 passengers and six crew members.
The aircraft was flying near the Jordan-Saudi Arabia border when it reportedly made a rapid dive and turned back towards Saudi airspace.
Passengers reported that the Omani first officer struck Capt Machhar repeatedly with a fire axe in what appeared to be an attempt to hijack the aircraft or cause it to crash, the government said.
The first officer was then overpowered and restrained by passengers and crew members. Capt Machchhar sustained deep cuts to his head and hands, according to the information cited in the government order, as reported by India Today.
After the incident, other flyDubai pilots who were on board as passengers took control of the aircraft and landed it safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, at around 10.45 am GST.
The incident disclosed the commission of offences against an Indian national under Section 3 of the Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016, and Section 16 read with Section 15(1)(a) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the government has said.
The offences mentioned in the order are scheduled offences under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.
The incident had grave national and international ramifications and required a detailed investigation to uncover any larger conspiracy, the government has said.
It, therefore, directed the NIA to register a case and investigate the matter under the provisions of the NIA Act. The direction was issued under sub-sections 5 and 8 of Section 6 read with Section 8 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.
The investigation by the anti-terror agency is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, the events inside the aircraft and whether the incident was part of any wider conspiracy.