VARANASI, Aug 16: Two airport employees were injured after a licensed pistol accidentally went off during a security check at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport here on Sunday morning, prompting security agencies to detain and question the passenger carrying the weapon.
The incident occurred around 9:30 am when a passenger travelling with his wife on Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai arrived for the scheduled journey. The passenger, identified as 55-year-old Kamlesh Rai of Azamgarh, had declared the licensed firearm for carriage on the flight.
According to the airport authorities, the weapon was being processed for sealing and depositing for safekeeping inside the aircraft cockpit when the firearm discharged a round.
Rai was reportedly removing the pistol’s magazine as part of the procedure when the trigger was pressed, resulting in the accidental firing. A female airport employee sustained a bullet graze on her leg, while another male employee was also grazed by the round.
Both injured employees, identified as AAICLAS screeners, were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment.
“Today, 16.08.2026, at about 0930 hrs, a passenger travelling with his wife on flight IX-1810 to Mumbai declared weapons on board the flight. During the weapons check, the passenger fired a round, injuring two AAICLAS screeners,” the Varanasi Airport Director said, according to news agency.
Local police were informed and an investigation was launched to establish the circumstances leading to the accidental discharge.
Security agencies detained Rai and began questioning him following the incident. The firearm and related procedures are also being examined as part of the investigation. (Agencies)