India's NIA registers case over alleged flydubai hijacking attempt

India's National Investigation Agency has registered a case over the alleged attempt to hijack flydubai Flight 1073, The Times of India reported. The case invokes the Anti-Hijacking Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

The investigation concerns the September 30 incident in which Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit, according to Indian media reports. The agency described it as an apparent attempt to hijack or crash the aircraft.

In the filing quoted by the newspaper, the agency cited the seriousness of the incident, its international implications and the need to investigate a possible wider conspiracy. Any connections between those involved remain matters for investigators to establish.

The newspaper also reported that a publication linked to al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent endorsed the co-pilot's actions. It did not claim responsibility for the attack. Such endorsement does not by itself establish involvement in planning the incident.