In the ever-swirling maelstrom of social media, the recent release of the mini-series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” on Netflix has ignited a heated controversy on social media. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the show’s creators intentionally changed the names of the hijackers from the infamous 1999 Indian Airlines Flight 814 incident to Hindu-sounding names, “Shankar” and “Bhola,” in a bid to obscure their Muslim identities. These claims, however, are not only misleading but also factually incorrect.
The Viral Claims
The controversy began when several social media users, particularly from right-leaning circles, claimed that the creators of the series deliberately altered the names of the hijackers to downplay their Muslim identities. Prominent figures like Rishi Bagree and accounts such as The Jaipur Dialogues took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their outrage. Hashtags like #BoycottNetflix and #BoycottBollywood began trending, with many alleging a deliberate attempt to malign the Hindu community by depicting the hijackers as Hindus.
Even BJP’s IT Cell head Amit Malviya and popular account True Indology shared these claims, further fueling the controversy. The posts went viral across various social media platforms, leading to widespread misinformation.
The Facts: What the Official Records Say
To set the record straight, it’s essential to refer to official documents and statements from the time of the hijacking. According to a statement issued by the former Union Home Minister LK Advani on January 6, 2000, the hijackers indeed used code names such as “Shankar” and “Bhola” during the hijacking. The official statement, which can be found on the Ministry of External Affairs website, lists the real names of the hijackers as Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Shakir, Mistri Zahoor Ibrahim, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, and Ibrahim Athar. However, these terrorists used code names like “Chief,” “Doctor,” “Burger,” “Bhola,” and “Shankar” to address each other during the hijacking.
This directly contradicts the viral claims, as it is evident that these code names were not an invention of the series’ creators but were the actual names used by the hijackers during the incident. The series “IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,” directed by Anubhav Sinha and released on August 29, 2024, stays true to these historical details.
Representation of the Hijackers in the Series
A critical look at the series reveals that the creators did not shy away from depicting the hijackers’ Muslim identities. From the first episode, it is clear that the hijackers are portrayed as Muslims. For instance, one of the hijackers is shown conversing with a person wearing a skullcap and beard, a clear visual indicator of their Muslim identity. These scenes demonstrate that the show makes no attempt to obscure the religious background of the terrorists.
Moreover, the series is based on the book “Flight Into Fear” by Devi Sharan, the captain of the hijacked flight, and Srinjoy Chowdhury. The book, along with other verified sources, provides a factual account of the events, which the series faithfully follows.
