New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to consider honouring FlyDubai's Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchar, with the country's highest peacetime gallantry award, the 'Ashok Chakra', for his extraordinary courage, presence of mind, and dedication to duty.

Captain Smit Machchar, a resident of Mumbai, was critically injured during FlyDubai flight FZ1073. During the incident, his co-pilot allegedly attacked him and attempted to hijack the aircraft. Despite severe injuries and extremely stressful circumstances, Captain Machchar did not lose courage and prioritised the safety of the 174 passengers on board, fulfilling his duty.

Kartikeya Sharma stated that the cou...