PUNE- An IndiGo (6E) passenger has been booked by Pune airport police after allegedly tampering with an emergency exit door mechanism aboard a flight from Delhi (DEL) to Pune (PNQ), triggering an alarm and causing concern among passengers. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff on November 2, 2026, aboard flight 6E6884.
The 33-year-old passenger, identified as Gaurav Satyendra Routela, allegedly touched the cover protecting the emergency exit lever while seated near the exit. The aircraft continued its journey and landed safely in Pune at approximately 2 AM, while police subsequently registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and provisions of the Aircraft Act.
Passenger’s Explanation for Tampering with the Exit
According to Pune airport police, Routela told investigators that he had touched the cover out of curiosity because he wanted to understand its purpose. He reportedly said he did not know that the cover was connected to the aircraft’s emergency exit mechanism.
The passenger was seated near the emergency exit when he allegedly interfered with the protective cover. An alarm sounded following the contact, alerting the cabin crew and causing concern among passengers.
Emergency exit mechanisms are critical aircraft safety equipment because they provide an evacuation route when passengers and crew need to leave an aircraft quickly. Any unauthorized interference with these components can create a safety risk, particularly during flight, when the crew must ensure that all emergency equipment remains secure and operational.
The available information does not indicate that the passenger opened the emergency exit door. The reported incident involved interference with its lever cover, which triggered the alarm.
Police Register Case
Police registered the case after receiving a complaint from a member of the flight crew. The charges include Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with acts committed so rashly or negligently that they endanger human life or the personal safety of others. cytrain.ncrb.gov.in+1
The police also invoked provisions of the Aircraft Act. Separately, Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was used to serve a notice on Routela, requiring his cooperation with the investigation.
Senior Inspector Govind Pawar of the Airport Police Station confirmed that further investigation was underway. Police have not announced any final findings regarding the passenger’s intentions or the extent of the alleged interference.
Aircraft Safety Rules
Indian aviation regulations prohibit passengers from interfering with aircraft equipment. Rule 29 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, specifically prohibits tampering with an aircraft or its equipment, as well as acts that could endanger the safety of an aircraft, its passengers, or crew, Hindustan Times flagged.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also requires airlines to brief passengers about emergency exit operations and explain the responsibilities of passengers seated beside these exits.
These procedures help ensure that emergency exits remain available for use when required.
The Pune incident highlights the importance of following cabin crew instructions and leaving aircraft safety equipment untouched.
Although the flight landed safely without a reported evacuation or emergency landing, the police investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged interference.
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