A security scare was reported at Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday morning after a licensed pistol carried by an Air India Express passenger accidentally discharged during a weapons check. Two airport security screeners were injured in the incident, which took place before the passenger was scheduled to board a Mumbai-bound flight. Police and airport authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the firing.
The passenger has been identified as Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh. According to officials, Rai had arrived at the airport with his wife to board Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai. The firearm had reportedly been declared as part of the required airport procedures before the weapon and ammunition were taken up for inspection.
The incident occurred at around 9:30 am when airport personnel were carrying out the weapons verification. During the inspection, the pistol suddenly discharged a round. Initial information from authorities describes the firing as accidental, although investigators are examining how the firearm went off during the screening process.
Two AAICLAS security screeners were injured in the incident. A female staff member suffered an injury to her leg, while another person nearby sustained an injury to the thumb or hand, according to different reports. Both injured personnel were immediately taken to a private hospital for treatment. Reports said their condition was stable.
According to reports, the fired round struck a surface before reportedly ricocheting and hitting the two staff members. The exact sequence of events remains under investigation. Local police were informed soon after the incident, and officials began examining the circumstances under which the firearm was handled during the mandatory weapons check.
The incident has raised questions about safety procedures for handling firearms during airport screening. Passengers travelling with declared weapons are subject to specific security requirements, and the inspection process requires careful handling of both firearms and ammunition. Investigators are expected to determine whether all prescribed safety procedures were followed and whether any lapse contributed to the accidental discharge.
Airport authorities have confirmed that the incident was confined to the weapons-check area and that local police are investigating. The passenger's scheduled journey to Mumbai was disrupted following the incident as authorities began their inquiry. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
The Varanasi airport incident comes as a reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols when firearms are handled in sensitive environments such as airports. Even when a weapon is legally licensed and properly declared, accidental discharge can pose a serious risk to passengers and airport personnel.
Authorities are now examining the weapon, the screening process and statements from those present at the time of the incident. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses. For now, officials have described the firing as accidental, while the two injured staffers continue to receive medical treatment.
