NIA opens case into attack on flydubai captain Smit Machchhar

India’s National Investigation Agency has opened a case into the cockpit attack on Captain Smit Machchhar aboard flydubai flight FZ1073. Officials disclosed the development on October 10.

The agency registered the case on October 9 under provisions of the Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The reported investigation concerns an alleged attempt to hijack the aircraft or cause it to crash.

The attack occurred on September 30 during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to the account in the first information report, the co-pilot stabbed the Indian captain, leaving him seriously injured.

The development brings India’s investigation agency into an already reported aviation incident. The alleged purpose of the attack is an account contained in the case documents. Registration under these laws does not amount to a judicial finding about motive or guilt.