NEW DELHI- After a stellar 40-year career in aviation, Captain Devi Sharan, the pilot of the notorious Indian Airlines IC 814 hijacking in December 1999, retires on January 4. His courageous and tenacious journey makes a lasting impression on Indian aviation history.
Captain Sharan’s career was both exciting and difficult, involving everything from handling life-threatening circumstances to piloting cutting-edge aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. His legacy is proof of the commitment needed in aviation as he starts his post-retirement ambitions.
IC 814 Captain Retires
After finishing his pilot school at Karnal, Captain Devi Sharan joined Indian Airlines in 1985.
He flew a variety of aircraft over the years, moving from the Boeing 737-200 to the Airbus A320 and then the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
However, his involvement in the IC 814 hijacking event is what most people remember about his career.
Flight IC 814 was hijacked in December 1999 while it was traveling from Kathmandu (KTM) to Delhi (DEL), and it was rerouted to Kandahar (KDH), Afghanistan.
During those stressful days, Captain Sharan’s top priority was making sure that all of the crew and passengers were safe.
When he looked back on the experience, he reflected on how it changed his outlook and taught him the value of being ready for anything that comes up in life.
After the Kandahar hijacking, Sharan and his coworkers were apprehended in Libya in 2011, putting them in peril once more.
They were briefly captured by armed radicals but managed to escape safely, demonstrating their fortitude in yet another stressful circumstance.
Captain Sharan continued to fly after Indian Airlines and Air India (AI) amalgamated in 2007, switching to more modern aircraft such the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330.
His last flight, which took place on January 4 from Melbourne (MEL) to Delhi (DEL), was a historic event, and the crew gave him an emotional farewell.
Sharan conveyed his appreciation for the chances and difficulties of his flying career in a message to his coworkers.
His remarks, “With the same enthusiasm of a young boy who once joined this airline, I now turn the page and embark on the golden years of my life,” perfectly captured his love of flying.
IC 814 Captain Future Plans
In his homeland of Karnal, Captain Sharan intends to start a new chapter by investigating farming.
Using his vast knowledge to guide the upcoming generation of pilots, he also hopes to contribute to Air India’s massive training facilities.
Sharan is taking a year-long global tour, stopping in places like Siberia and Antarctica, before committing to these endeavors.
IC 814: Most In-Famous Hijacking
The most significant act of terrorism in India, the Kandahar Hijack (IC 814), started on December 24, 1999.
During the planned flight from Kathmandu to New Delhi, Indian Airlines Flight IC-814, an Airbus 300, was taken over by five armed terrorists. Following a week-long odyssey that included terrorist negotiations, Taliban involvement, and one passenger fatality, the flight carried 179 passengers and 11 staff members.
The event put the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government’s crisis management skills to the test and revealed serious flaws in India’s aviation security apparatus. A contentious turning point in India’s counterterrorism strategy was the government’s decision to free three well-known terrorists.
The first moments of the hijacking are described in the book “IC 814 Hijacked: The Inside Story,” written by journalist Saurabh Shukla and flight engineer Anil K. Jaggia. At 4:39 p.m., an armed terrorist with a grenade and a pistol broke into the cockpit and took control of the aircraft while sporting a red balaclava and photochromic lenses.
Amritsar Failure
After Delhi’s Air Traffic Control received the first alert at 4:56 pm, the IC 814 hijacking scenario quickly got out of hand. When Pakistani officials refused to allow the terrorists to fly to Lahore, they changed their route to Amritsar.
An important opportunity for assistance was provided by Amritsar’s emergency landing at 7:00 p.m. Suspecting tactical deceit, Punjab’s Director General of Police Sarabjit Singh turned down requests for refilling while the aircraft’s engines continued to run. Disabling the aircraft’s tires was one of the intervention measures that the Central Crisis Management Group in Delhi considered.
After the pilot warned of an impending crash landing due to fuel depletion, the aircraft left Amritsar under pressure and landed in Lahore at 8:01 p.m. The flight tried to reach Kabul after refueling in Lahore, but due to insufficient night landing facilities, it was redirected to Dubai.
Six Days of Negotiations
The rescue of 27 hostages and the removal of Rupin Katyal’s body, who perished during the kidnapping, marked a significant development for Dubai on December 25. After that, the plane continued on to Kandahar, where it arrived at 8:33 a.m.
Taliban middlemen participated in the six-day talks in Kandahar. Masood Azhar, who later founded Jaish-e-Mohammed, the group responsible for the 2019 Pulwama attacks, was one of the 36 terrorists who were asked to be released by the hijackers.
Sajjad Afghani’s remains and $200 million were among the other demands.
Govt Release Terrorists
During the IC-814 hijacking situation, the Taliban leadership unexpectedly issued instructions stating that the demands made by the hijackers for coffins and money were against Islamic values. Notably, they did not criticize the fundamental call for terrorist releases.
An important turning point in the crisis was the Indian government’s surrender and the release of three well-known terrorists: Omar Shaikh, Mushtaq Zargar, and Masood Azhar. The Taliban’s claims that the hijackers and the released terrorists would be treated like criminals were untrue, since both groups left Afghanistan without any problems.
On December 31, 1999, the hostages returned on separate flights, ending the incident. An important chapter in India’s history of counterterrorism came to an end on January 1, 2000, when the hijacked plane touched down in New Delhi.
The results of the investigation showed that Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were responsible for the hijacking. Critics criticized the crisis response’s operational framework, pointing out that important choices were made outside of the Crisis Management Group (CMG) and straight from Prime Minister Vajpayee’s office.
The government’s move to release terrorists was heavily criticized by the opposition Congress party. Yashwant Sinha, a BJP lawmaker, defended the action, saying it was the only way to guarantee passenger survival. The decision’s implications and potential to set a precedent in terrorist discussions are still up for dispute.
Who was the captain of Indian Airlines’ IC 814 during the Kandahar hijack?
The captain of Indian Airlines’ IC 814 during the Kandahar hijack was Captain Devi Sharan. He played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers during the hijacking incident in 1999.
What was the IC 814 Kandahar hijacking incident?
The IC 814 Kandahar hijacking incident occurred on December 24, 1999, when an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked by terrorists. The aircraft was forced to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where negotiations took place over several days.
How did Captain Devi Sharan contribute during the IC 814 hijacking?
Captain Devi Sharan remained calm under pressure and managed the critical situation effectively, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew throughout the hijacking ordeal.
How long did Captain Devi Sharan serve in Indian Airlines?
Captain Devi Sharan served Indian Airlines (later Air India) for 40 years before retiring. He is remembered for his professionalism and composure during the IC 814 hijacking incident.
What happened to the hijackers of IC 814?
The hijackers of IC 814 were released after negotiations led to the release of three terrorists in exchange for the hostages. The incident remains a significant event in India’s aviation history.
Is there a book written by Captain Devi Sharan on the IC 814 hijacking?
Yes, Captain Devi Sharan co-authored a book titled “Flight into Fear,” which provides a detailed account of the IC 814 hijacking and his experiences during the incident.
What legacy does Captain Devi Sharan leave behind after his retirement?
Captain Devi Sharan leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, bravery, and dedication to passenger safety. He is widely respected for his handling of the IC 814 crisis and his long service in Indian aviation.
