Mumbai: Maharashtra BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar from Kandivali East Constituency on Saturday met the father-in-law of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in Mumbai and felicitated the family following the reported mid-air attack aboard a flydubai flight.
In a video shared by news agency IANS, Bhatkhalkar was seen meeting Machchhar's family and presenting a bouquet to his father-in-law.
Speaking to reporters, Bhatkhalkar said, “We have come to Captain Smit’s in-laws’ home, which falls in my constituency. We are here to share in their happiness and meet his family, as Captain Smit’s brave act has brought pride to India across the world.”
‘Whole world is praising him’
Taking to X, Bhatkhalkar said Machchhar had emerged as a hero following his actions during such a difficult time.
“The whole world is praising them. Their father-in-law Jaysukh Jogi lives in Indraprastha Society in Malad East in my constituency. I went to their house today and congratulated them on their son-in-law's achievements. I honored them. They spoke effusively about their son-in-law's accomplishments,” Bhatkhalkar said.
The BJP MLA's visit comes amid widespread praise for Machchhar following the reported incident aboard a flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
What happened aboard flydubai flight?
According to reports, Machchhar was piloting the passenger aircraft when he was allegedly attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit.
Despite suffering serious injuries and significant blood loss, Machchhar reportedly managed to respond to the emergency and help protect those on board. The aircraft was reportedly carrying around 174 people.
Reports have also suggested that an Israeli doctor travelling as a passenger intervened during the emergency and helped restrain the alleged attacker.
UAE authorities investigate incident
The Indian Embassy in the UAE has reportedly said that Machchhar is recovering well and that it remains in coordination with local authorities over his well-being.
While, the reports further states that the UAE authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive and whether the attack was planned in advance or had any terrorism-related connection.
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