IC814 The Kandahar Hijack: Meet Captain Devi Sharan, Real Hero Of The 1999 Hijack

Netflix India is faced with a controversy due to its latest web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack starring Vijay Varma in the lead role. The limited series is directed by Anubhav Sinha and released on August 29. The story follows the real-life incident from 1999 when five masked men hijacked Indian Airlines Flight IC 814.

Since its release, hashtag #BoycottNetflix has been trending on social media, with many accusing the series of portraying the terrorists as Hindus, thus allegedly disparaging the community. While the series is grabbing the attention of the cinephiles, it has also brought attention to the real-life lead, Captain Devi Sharan played by Vijay Varma.

Who is Captain Devi Sharan?

Captain Devi Sharan is a former Indian Airlines pilot who played a key role during India's longest hijacking incident in 1999. On December 24, 1999, terrorists hijacked flight IC814 and diverted it to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where it was parked for eight days. 188 people were onboard including honeymooners, business travellers and those on vacation. The aircraft was piloted by 37-year-old Captain Sharan, along with First Officer Rajinder Kumar and Flight Engineer Anil Kumar Jaggia.

Captain Sharan had planned to spend Christmas Eve on holiday with his family, but he found himself in a situation that would challenge his courage and determination.

Captain Sharan awarded the Shaurya Chakra

The flight took off from Kathmandu, Nepal, and was hijacked within 40 minutes of its take-off by five terrorists associated with the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. They forced the aircraft to land at various locations, including Lahore, Pakistan and finally Kandahar. Throughout the eight-day ordeal, Captain Sharan remained calm and professional, helping to save the lives of all on board.

He sent coded messages to air traffic control, providing crucial information about the hijackers' demands and the situation on the aircraft. However, one passenger named Rupin Katyal, tragically lost his life, while other passengers safely landed in India. Captain Sharan's bravery and quick thinking were widely recognised. For his heroic actions, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime military honour.

Netflix adds real names of hijackers to opening disclaimer

Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting summoned Netflix India's content head to explain the controversial elements in a series about the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight by the Pakistan-based terror group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. 

After the interrogation, Netflix India has updated credits by adding the real names of two hijackers, as it received criticism over their previously used 'Hindu' codenames.