Hyderabad, Oct. 5: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticised Rahul Gandhi for not publicly appreciating Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar.
In a post on X, Sanjay questioned why Gandhi had not acknowledged Machchhar’s actions during the September 30 Flydubai incident. He described the pilot’s actions as an act of courage.
Sanjay also used terms including “dimagi Naxals” and “anti nationals” while criticising those who, in his view, had not appreciated the pilot.
Bandi Sanjay Highlights Flydubai Pilot’s Actions
Captain Smit Machchhar was the pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the flight, his Omani co pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit.
The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar, despite suffering injuries, opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and restrain the attacker. Reserve pilots travelling on the aircraft helped bring the plane to safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi later spoke to Machchhar through a video call and praised his courage and actions during the incident. Machchhar is recovering from his injuries.
Bandi Sanjay also referred to earlier criticism by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Reddy had questioned why the Congress leaders had not publicly congratulated Machchhar.
Reddy also criticised Rahul Gandhi for his social media response to other issues while not posting about the pilot. He further made political comments about the Gandhi family and the Congress party.
The investigation into the Flydubai cockpit incident remains ongoing. Israeli officials have alleged that the co pilot attempted to crash the aircraft, while authorities continue examining the circumstances and possible motives.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
