Captain Devi Sharan’s Flight of Fear: Revealing the true story
On December 24, 1999, Captain Devi Sharan faced an ordeal that would forever be etched in the annals of aviation history. The Indian Airlines Flight IC 814, en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi, was hijacked by five armed men, transforming what should have been a routine flight into a terrifying journey of uncertainty and fear. This news story takes a closer look at that fateful day, through the eyes of Captain Devi Sharan, who courageously piloted the plane through the crisis.
As the clock ticked past 4:00 PM on that December day, Captain Devi Sharan and his crew were preparing for what they expected to be a routine flight. However, just minutes after the aircraft took off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, everything changed. Five armed men stormed the cockpit, wielding knives and explosives, and took control of the plane. The hijackers were part of the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, a militant group with ties to the Taliban, and they had a clear objective: to secure the release of several militants held in Indian prisons.
Captain Sharan’s quick thinking and calm demeanor were crucial in the moments that followed. The hijackers ordered him to divert the plane to Lahore, Pakistan, but Captain Sharan knew that complying with their demands could lead to a catastrophic outcome. Instead, he managed to convince the hijackers that the plane needed to refuel and suggested that they land in Amritsar, India. The hijackers agreed, and the plane made an emergency landing at Raja Sansi Airport in Amritsar.
However, the Indian authorities were unprepared for the situation, and precious time was lost as they deliberated on the best course of action. Captain Sharan, realizing that the situation was becoming increasingly dangerous, tried to convince the hijackers to release some of the passengers in exchange for fuel. The negotiations were tense, and at one point, the hijackers threatened to kill a passenger if their demands were not met. Despite the immense pressure, Captain Sharan remained composed, continually trying to buy more time.
The situation took a dramatic turn when the hijackers suddenly decided to leave Amritsar and fly to Lahore. Captain Sharan had no choice but to comply, and the plane took off once again. However, as they approached Lahore, the Pakistani authorities refused to allow the plane to land. With fuel running dangerously low, Captain Sharan was forced to make a nerve-wracking decision. He communicated with the control tower in Lahore, pleading for permission to land, but his requests were denied. In a desperate bid to avoid a mid-air disaster, Captain Sharan declared an emergency and landed the plane on a secondary runway in Lahore.
The ordeal was far from over. The Pakistani authorities initially surrounded the aircraft, but after intense negotiations, the hijackers were allowed to refuel and take off again. This time, they set their sights on Kandahar, Afghanistan, where they hoped to find a safe haven under the protection of the Taliban. Captain Sharan, now mentally and physically exhausted, had no choice but to comply with their demands.
As the plane touched down in Kandahar, the situation became even more perilous. The Taliban, who controlled the city, surrounded the aircraft and the negotiations for the release of the hostages began in earnest. Over the next seven days, Captain Sharan and his crew remained in the cockpit, isolated from the passengers, while Indian government officials and the hijackers engaged in tense negotiations.
Captain Sharan’s role during this time was crucial. He was the only person with direct communication with both the hijackers and the Indian negotiators. His calm and composed demeanor helped to de-escalate several potentially explosive situations. The hijackers, increasingly desperate, made several threats to blow up the plane if their demands were not met, but Captain Sharan’s ability to remain calm under pressure played a significant role in preventing the situation from spiraling out of control.
Finally, on December 31, 1999, after seven days of intense negotiations, the Indian government agreed to release three militants in exchange for the hostages. The hijackers, satisfied with the deal, released all the passengers and crew members, including Captain Sharan. The ordeal had come to an end, but the psychological scars remained.
In the years that followed, Captain Devi Sharan continued to serve as a pilot, but the experience of the IC 814 hijacking had a profound impact on him. He later recounted his experiences in a book titled “Flight Into Fear,” where he detailed the harrowing events of those seven days. The book provides a unique insight into the mind of a man who, under unimaginable pressure, managed to keep his composure and ensure the safety of his passengers.
Captain Sharan’s story is a testament to the resilience and courage of those who work in the aviation industry. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical importance of remaining calm and composed in the face of danger. The hijacking of IC 814 remains one of the most significant incidents in Indian aviation history, and Captain Sharan’s role in the safe resolution of the crisis will never be forgotten.
His actions during the hijacking were widely praised, and he was awarded several honors by the Indian government for his bravery. However, Captain Sharan has always maintained that he was simply doing his job and that the real heroes were the passengers and crew members who endured the terrifying ordeal with dignity and courage.
The IC 814 hijacking also had far-reaching consequences for India’s security and foreign policy. The release of the militants was seen by many as a capitulation to terrorism, and it led to a significant overhaul of India’s aviation security protocols. The incident also strained relations between India and Pakistan, as many in India believed that the hijackers had received support from elements within Pakistan.
In conclusion, the story of Captain Devi Sharan and the IC 814 hijacking is one of courage, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Captain Sharan’s actions that day saved countless lives, and his story serves as an inspiration to us all.